Gaby
A team of researchers from Galway University in Ireland claims that people who participate in video conferences—such as those conducted via Zoom or Teams—experience greater fatigue when they see themselves on screen.
According to a study on brain activity, the need to look at one’s own image during video calls tires the brain. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed that the level of fatigue among video conference participants was significantly higher when they could see their own image on the screen.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers monitored the brain activity of 32 volunteers—16 men and 16 women—during an online Zoom conference, intermittently turning the self-view mode on and off.
The EEG tools non-invasively recorded the spontaneous electrical activity in the volunteers’ brains, particularly identifying the onset of mental fatigue. The monitoring confirmed that the level of fatigue was significantly higher when participants could see their own image.
The Galway University study questioned the existence of gender differences regarding fatigue from seeing oneself on screen during video conferences. The team assured that both men and women experience equal levels of fatigue from viewing their own image, as reported by the Independent.
This contradicts findings from previous studies, which suggested that women feel more mentally fatigued by their own image on video calls than men. Those studies, which largely relied on survey and interview data, attributed women’s greater fatigue to their heightened concern about their appearance, as they saw themselves on screen like a mirror.
Key Takeaways
According to the scientists, the results not only enhanced the understanding of the fatigue process during video calls but also inspired practical ideas for companies looking to safeguard their employees’ well-being in the era of hybrid and remote work.
Professor Eoin Whelan, the lead author of the study, commented on the findings: “During the lockdown, the use of video conferencing platforms surged. They are now actively used in work and education, offering some advantages over in-person meetings. However, people often report feeling fatigued during video conferences.”
Professor Whelan stated, “The feeling of fatigue during video calls is real, and seeing oneself on screen is increasingly tiring.” How can this be addressed? According to the researcher, simply turning off the camera on one’s computer while keeping the audio on is a practical solution.
