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Zoom Fatigue: What It Is and How to Alleviate It
Videoconferencing is draining: Here’s why and what you can do about it
By Molly McLaughlin Molly McLaughlin Senior Editor & Content Strategist Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 15, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Video Calls Skype Facetime What to Know
Zoom fatigue is mental strain from too much videoconferencing. Online meetings remove body language, clarifications requests are awkward.To alleviate Zoom fatigue, keep video meetings short. If a speaker view is available, use it to focus only on the speaker and not the other attendees.Cut down on the number of participants in meetings. Designate time before and after online meetings to step away from the computer. This article explains what Zoom fatigue is and offers suggestions for alleviating it. What Causes Zoom Fatigue
Zoom fatigue is a form of mental strain caused by excessive videoconferencing. It's not limited to Zoom. The term applies to any videoconferencing service, including Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Skype, and others, but the Zoom moniker stuck because of the service's popularity. Like computer eye strain, Zoom fatigue is partly caused by staring at a computer (or smartphone) screen. It's also taxing to the brain in a few ways, including a lack of visual cues and overstimulation. Body Language
You might not realize how much you depend on body language and other cues that are easy to pick up in person but difficult or impossible over a videoconference. Similarly, many people rely on a form of lip reading to help them "hear" better. If the video and audio don't match up, that also wreaks havoc on the brain. Your body language plays a part too. When you're all in the same room, people understand you're still paying attention even if you glance out the window or looks over your notes. But if you're not staring directly into the camera on a video call, it can look like you're not listening. But continuously staring at the same thing isn't natural and can also be exceptionally draining. Visual Stimuli
It's also more challenging to take in all the visual stimuli over video than in person. According to National Geographic, "Gallery view—where all meeting participants appear Brady Bunch-style—challenges the brain's central vision, forcing it to decode so many people at once that no one comes through meaningfully, not even the speaker." Interruptions
Finally, it's not possible to have side conversations or ask to look at your neighbor's notes as you can in a conference room, and it's hard to interject. The constant false starts and talking over one another kills the momentum. How to Alleviate Zoom Fatigue
The ways to ease or avoid Zoom fatigue are all about reducing brain strain. Methods include cutting down on visual stimuli, maintaining focus, and taking frequent breaks. The tips below can also help with in-person meetings. Keep video meetings short and focused. Ideally, they should not run longer than an hour without a break. If it's your meeting, set up a clear agenda; if it's someone else's meeting, ask for a summary. Avoid doing other activities while attending meetings. Turn your camera off when you're not speaking. This way, you don't have to worry about where you're looking or what kind of face you're making. Go to Settings > Video > Turn off video when joining a meeting to start meetings without video. If you must be on camera, hide the video of yourself so you don't have to worry about getting distracted. If available, use speaker view rather than grid or gallery view, so you don't have to see everyone at once. Take frequent computer breaks. Block off times before and after meetings to step away from the screen. Limit video meetings. Figure out what you do over chat, email, or a regular phone call before opting for a video call. Work with your colleagues to set aside days of the week where there don't be any video meetings so everyone can focus on other work. Cut down on meeting size. Limiting your invite list can help keep meetings short and focused. If you must have a large gathering, consider using breakout rooms. How to Hide Self View on Zoom Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is Google Chat? How to Schedule a Google Meet Google Meet vs. Zoom: What's the Difference? How to Use Skype How to Blur Backgrounds in MS Teams Pros and Cons of WebEx Online Meeting Tool How to Fix It When a Zoom Microphone Is Not Working How to Change Your Name on Google Meet How to Connect AirPods to Zoom How to Hide Self View on Zoom How to Fix It When a Zoom Camera Is Not Working How To Make a Video Call on Android How Does Center Stage Work on the iPad? How to Use Low-Light Mode on Google Meet How to Use Zoom on Android How to Make a Call From the Gmail App Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies