Constantly seeing your own face during video calls may be contributing to fatigue and impacting your performance, according to recent research. A study conducted by the University of Galway found that individuals exhibit greater signs of brain fatigue when their self-view is active during virtual meetings.
The 2024 study involved 32 participants who underwent electroencephalograms (EEGs) to measure brain activity during simulated Zoom calls. Researchers observed a significant increase in brain fatigue when participants could see themselves on screen compared to when the self-view was turned off.
This phenomenon, often referred to as "Zoom fatigue," is thought to stem from several factors. The "mirror effect" suggests that constant self-observation can lead to heightened self-awareness, diverting focus from the conversation to one's own appearance and behavior. Additionally, video calls require the brain to process social cues and facial expressions in a way that is less natural than in-person interactions, demanding more cognitive effort.
Eoin Whelan, a professor at the University of Galway and lead author of the study, stated in a press release that the feelings of exhaustion reported by many during video conferences are real, and the self-view feature exacerbates this tiredness. The surge in remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic has made these virtual meetings a staple in both professional and educational settings.
Previous research had suggested that women might experience greater video-call fatigue due to increased self-consciousness about their appearance. However, the University of Galway study's EEG data did not support this distinction, showing similar levels of brain activity changes between men and women.
To mitigate the effects of video call fatigue, Whelan recommends a simple solution: turning off the self-view feature. This adjustment can help reduce the mental strain associated with virtual meetings.