The popularity of video conferencing, especially through platforms like Zoom, surged dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that employees from various companies adapted to working from home. However, many people have yet to return to their offices, and some have no plans to do so at all.
A new study from researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has revealed that video conferences continue to play a significant role in modern life, as people persist in remote work. In light of this, the university team sought to understand why employees often feel fatigued during video calls and how to alleviate this issue.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The researchers surveyed 610 residents of Singapore—284 men and 326 women aged between 22 and 76. All participants worked from home an average of three days a week for eight hours a day, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Participants were asked whether they used virtual backgrounds during their calls. If so, they were prompted to indicate their preference for static images, blurred backgrounds, or videos.
To give a heads-up, the study found that using blurred or animated backgrounds can be tiring, as they overstimulate the brain. Therefore, experts recommend opting for a static image or forgoing virtual backgrounds altogether.
During the study, the team measured participants’ fatigue from video conferencing using a five-point scale that reflected levels of overall, visual, social, motivational, and emotional fatigue.
The results indicated that those who used background videos experienced the highest levels of fatigue during video interactions. Participants with blurred backgrounds also reported significant fatigue compared to those who preferred static images.
Interestingly, there was no substantial difference in fatigue levels between using a static image and having no virtual background at all.
What Explains This?
The researchers noted that our brains automatically respond to new information, particularly visual cues like backgrounds during video calls. Virtual backgrounds can be distracting and drain cognitive resources.
As lead author Hen Zhang pointed out, the changing frames of a video background divert attention and contribute to significant fatigue during video conferences.
“With blurred backgrounds, users may sometimes see reflections of their real environment due to technical issues, which presents them with new information,” the researcher explained.
Interestingly, real interiors visible in the background can also be linked to fatigue during video calls. Users working outdoors reported lower levels of exhaustion compared to those working indoors. The findings of the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
But These Aren’t the Only Reasons for Zoom Fatigue
Other factors also influence how fatigued a person feels from video conferencing. These include specific work aspects, such as deadlines and task volume, as well as the number of topics being discussed.
A 2021 study titled “Zoom Fatigue and How to Prevent It” identified several causes of exhaustion. Among these were limited mobility, excessive eye contact, and the “mirror effect” (the need to see oneself on screen).
Another study found that individuals who do not turn off their cameras during video calls tend to feel fatigued from the outset, with women experiencing this more than men.
Additionally, research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that blurred images on Zoom lead people to raise their voices. This likely occurs because they subconsciously associate a fuzzy image with poor sound quality.