Why Does Video Chatting Cause Fatigue? With people across the United States stuck at home
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, video calls have become
the new norm for work and social interactions. Although a convenient way of remaining
connected, many are finding these online
sessions to be especially exhausting. According to Gianpiero Petriglieri, an associate
professor at Insead, video calls require more focus
than face-to-face interactions as people must
work harder to process non-verbal cues. Gianpiero Petriglieri, via BBC Petriglieri also believes that while silence
during face-to-face conversations is considered
a natural pause, that same silence is viewed
more negatively during a video call. However, the biggest contributor to this online stress
is the fact that video calls are a massive reminder of
what has been lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gianpiero
Petriglieri, via BBC In order to reduce “Zoom fatigue,” Petriglieri
suggests only using video chats when necessary
and putting your laptop to the side in order to
simulate a normal meeting setting. When chatting with friends, give yourself time to transition between your work and social personas. Having that buffer will help you feel refreshed
and relaxed. You should also consider opting for smaller,
more intimate group chats. Large group calls
can be depersonalizing and make you feel as
if your individual power is diminished.