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Researchers at Galway University in Ireland found that people who take part in video conferences—like those on Zoom or Teams—feel more fatigued when they can see themselves on screen.
A study that measured brain activity found that watching your own image during video calls tires the brain. EEG recordings showed that fatigue levels were significantly higher when participants could see themselves on screen.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers monitored the brain activity of 32 volunteers—16 men and 16 women—during an online Zoom meeting, intermittently turning the self-view mode on and off.
They used EEG to noninvasively record the volunteers’ spontaneous brain activity, focusing on signals linked to mental fatigue. Monitoring confirmed that fatigue was significantly higher when participants saw themselves on screen.
The Galway University study also tested whether men and women differed in that mental fatigue. The team found men and women experienced similar levels of fatigue from seeing themselves on screen, the Independent reported.
That finding contradicts earlier research suggesting women feel more mentally fatigued by their own image than men. Those earlier studies, which largely relied on surveys and interviews, attributed women’s greater fatigue to heightened concern about their appearance when they saw themselves on screen.
Key Takeaways
The results deepen understanding of fatigue during video calls and point to practical steps employers can take to protect employees’ well-being in hybrid and remote work.
Professor Eoin Whelan, the lead author of the study, commented: “During the lockdown, the use of video conferencing platforms surged. They are now actively used in work and education, offering some advantages over in-person meetings. However, people often report feeling fatigued during video conferences.”
Whelan added, “The feeling of fatigue during video calls is real, and seeing oneself on screen is increasingly tiring.” How can this be addressed? Whelan suggested a simple fix: turn off your camera and keep the audio on.
