Video Call Fatigue Linked to Virtual Backgrounds, Study Finds
Video Conferencing and Fatigue: The Role of Virtual Backgrounds
Feel drained after a long video call? Your tiredness could be partly linked to the backgrounds you see on your screen, according to a study published on Thursday.
The Study
Researchers in Singapore aimed to investigate another element that could contribute to video-conference fatigue: the virtual background people choose to conceal what is really behind them. This could be important because existing research suggests that during video conferencing, users spend the vast majority of their time focusing on themselves.
Virtual Backgrounds: Not Just a Decoration
When people select their background, "they are essentially choosing a ‘new suit’ for themselves," said Heng Zhang, co-author of the new study in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. "The virtual background is not merely a decoration; it influences how users perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others."
The Study’s Findings
Last year, the researchers conducted an online survey of 610 Singaporean users of Zoom, one of the world’s most popular video-conferencing apps. They found that:
- Backgrounds with moving videos were associated with the most fatigue, as they constantly present new information to users, consume cognitive resources, and increase cognitive load.
- Users with a blurred background recorded higher tiredness levels, which can lead to negative emotions and ultimately, fatigue.
- Backgrounds depicting office or public spaces, chosen to portray professionalism, can also contribute to increased fatigue due to the "self-presentation effort".
- Backgrounds with nature or fun and wacky scenarios were linked with the lowest levels of fatigue.
Recommendations for Video Call Fatigue
The researchers suggest that people choose fewer moving backgrounds and opt for a "self-presence" that strikes a balance between psychological comfort and social etiquette. For work meetings, they recommend images of mountains, forests, or beaches, as these backgrounds help reduce fatigue and promote a professional appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study highlights the impact of virtual backgrounds on video-conference fatigue, emphasizing the need for users to consider their chosen background’s effects on their well-being and professionalism. By making informed decisions about their digital environment, individuals can mitigate the tiredness associated with video calls and maintain a healthier and more effective online presence.
FAQs
Q: What is video-conference fatigue?
A: Video-conference fatigue refers to the physical, emotional, or cognitive exhaustion experienced due to prolonged video conferencing.
Q: How can I reduce video-conference fatigue?
A: Choose virtual backgrounds that promote a balance between psychological comfort and social etiquette, and consider factors such as the movement, colors, and content of your chosen background.
Q: What are some recommended virtual backgrounds for work meetings?
A: Researchers suggest choosing images of mountains, forests, or beaches for work meetings, as these backgrounds help reduce fatigue and promote a professional appearance.