What is “Zoom fatigue”? And tips to help ease it
Bob Hutchins, MSc
Bridging silicon and soul in the age of thinking machines. AI Expert, Advisor and Instructor, Marketing exec. PhD Researcher-Generative AI. EdTech. Author. Philosophy of tech. Media Ecology. Mental Health Advocate
Zoom fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs when our brains use the wrong cues to process information. On a video call, we only have access to visual stimuli which makes us feel very uncomfortable as it forces us into “constant gaze,” essentially being forced into staring at someone’s face for an extended period of time. This feels unnatural and tiring because, in reality, people don’t usually stand within three feet of one another while making eye contact (except maybe with close friends or family) .
This phenomenon is known as “zoom fatigue” and the “zoom lens” is essentially “forcing us to stare at one another.”
In addition, the “zoom lens” also forces speakers and listeners to “face each other straight on,” which makes it difficult for people who are trying to have a conversation
This feeling of discomfort can lead to increased thoughts about how you look, which will give you a case of “the nerves.” When over prolonged exposure to this mode, our brains’ visual processing system starts working overtime. Thus, fatigue sets in.
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While it may be hard for some people, learning to make yourself feel more comfortable when looking in a mirror or even just being aware that what you’re going through is common, can hopefully help ease the effects to some degree.
Here are 4 additional tips to help ease Zoom fatigue…
Zoom fatigue is a real thing. But being aware is most of the battle. Try some of the tips I mentioned above, and you will start to feel the difference. If they don’t help and you still feel exhausted, then turn to email, text, or just a good old-fashioned audio-only phone call. Mix it up!
Board Member @ kindness.org | Founder/CEO at Punkin Studios
2yI love this article! Thank you for posting it. All of your suggestions are outstanding. However, I have something to add... But first, a question. Do you remember Conference Calls and just plain Phone Calls? I find this unspoken and often 'spoken' pressure to go 'Camera Live' for every Zoom, presumptuous and invasive. It's not simply the way we look while on a Zoom that creates anxiety and fatigue. More often than not, we are taking the call from home. If you have a gorgeous soundproof, home office with beautiful artwork on the walls, a giant mahogany bookshelf filled with your awards, honors, degrees, photos of you and President Biden, or other golden elixirs, that make for a perfect setting and glorious background that is outstanding! But for the folks with small children, or just children, small or otherwise, pets, and nothing 'cool' to put on the wall, it can be enormously stressful just trying to get 'camera ready' and keep the household 'camera ready'. I understand that many people just use white, blue, or otherwise sold background, but still. This Brave New World of 'You had better be on camera or else!' is getting out of control. Everyone from corporate execs to stay-at-home caregivers, and the average joe & jane are now expected to be content creators, producers, and on-camera talent. Really?!?!? The added subliminal message is if you are unwilling or unable to go on camera, you are hiding something is again - outrageous. Not to mention the "Hey, let's jump on Zoom" with no warning requests. Good Grief!! It's also counterproductive, and potentially costly. When everyone is looking at everyone on a Zoom from that unnatural angle, checking out what they're wearing, their hair, make-up or lack thereof, background, etc and add to that the numbers of folks who text, answer calls, google search, and email while attempting to focus on the business at hand because of misinformation and forgotten information disseminated from distracted participants, damage control is the result. That is a recipe for #ZOOM and job BURN-OUT, not just fatigue. I have a cute-ish background, or the ability to go to Starbucks, the Library, etc... I am also pretty tech-savvy and I have a paid Zoom account. I NEVER multitask. I am an actress, former model, MUA (makeup artist), stylist, film/tv producer, and content creator. I know how to get camera ready, and I still OFTEN choose to use my profile pick when on a Zoom. There are several reasons... 1. I have two autistic young adult children at home. 2. A very loud little Corgi-poo dog. 3. We are finishing up a renovation of our house. I'm sure there are more but... LOL! The primary reason is I work from home! I am at HOME!! I love Zoom and I use it for everything from interviews to podcast episodes to connecting with my friends and family. Sometimes I just don't want to be on-camera - at HOME! The normalization of opening our private space to anyone with a qualifying device and a Zoom account is absurd. I have also found that "I", may just be me, but I listen and retain information much better on Zoom when I am not on camera. When I'm off camera, I am focused on the task at hand and not all the superfluous distractions. That said, there are definite benefits to being on camera for work when it is appropriate. 1. Fridays could be on-camera days. 2. On-camera moments should be for more social work events. 3. Designate on-camera meetings for short, intro's to new clients, employees, etc. I didn't intend to write this long of a post, but for anyone out there who feels the same, you aren't alone! I feel you and you're 100% RIGHT! LOL! As I stand here in my leggings, hoodie, and no-makeup, I will bid you all 'good day'! I have a Zoom in two hours and I have to go get ready! 😂