Ever since Covid-19 hit, many have been dependent on Zoom and other online forms of communication for school and other activities. Although working at home, many have been experiencing excessive stress and burnouts known as Zoom Fatigue. Through its long use, 24% of people have addressed the inefficiency of Zoom and the associated exhaustion. Additionally, 38% experienced Zoom fatigue since the start of this pandemic and 26% noted that the practicality of Zoom has worn off.

There are many causes to Zoom fatigue. The root cause is the close-up, constant attention in a single area. This has led to eye irritation and strain, even causing headaches or migraine. The size of monitors being used have also led to a larger degree in effect of these consequences. Another common cause is that taking notes, attention, and participation is all taking place in one area, this being a monitor constantly glaring into one’s eyes. This reduction in mobility limits one from much movement, leading to the same form of exhaustion. To reduce the fatigue, one can place their camera farther away from their screen so it can allow more movement. Another option is to turn off one’s camera periodically during meetings or even look up and away from the monitor once in a while.

One other cause that many don’t realize is the cognitive load that is much lower in a virtual setting because of having to express everything verbally. In a virtual setting, one is not able to use the full range of non-verbal cues and is constantly relying on accurate spoken expressions. This aspect of stress can be reduced through audio breaks and turning away from the screen and other verbal activities. Some personal causes not everyone experiences is social anxiety and the aftereffect of stress. On virtual communication platforms, it may feel as if everyone is looking at you. One can prevent excessive anxiety by using full screen, then opting out of it to reduce the size of people and minimize the face as much as possible. Seeing a reflection of oneself is another form of anxiety that can lead to emotional consequences and exhaustion for those who are more critical of themselves. This on top of the general awkwardness and unresponsiveness on virtual platforms may lead to a feeling of disconnection and even a lack of motivation, which is also a major leading cause to Zoom fatigue. Turning the camera somewhere else, changing the screen formation, and gaining confidence are ways to reduce these effects.

Avoiding Zoom fatigue is important because excessive tiredness from the media can lead to an increase in depression and anxiety, a weakening in long-term memory, drowsiness, overheating, lack of productivity, and burnouts. Therefore, to prevent further fatigue outside of virtual communication, taking a break off of the media and taking time for self-care is essential. Talking with friends to destress, exercise, and sleep are also great ways to manage the various aspects that can cause Zoom fatigue.

<Michelle Yoo Northwood HS 11th Grade>