Getting Zoom fatigue? Chances are you’re tired of looking at yourself

The rise of virtual meetings has transformed workplace communication, offering flexibility and global connectivity. However, this shift has not come without challenges, particularly in the form of virtual meeting (VM) fatigue, commonly referred to as “Zoom fatigue.” A new study published in the journal PLOS One examines how facial appearance dissatisfaction, impression management behaviours, and VM fatigue contribute to the adoption—or rejection—of virtual meeting technologies in professional settings.

The research suggests that excessive self-monitoring during virtual meetings leads to heightened dissatisfaction with one’s facial appearance. This dissatisfaction fuels VM fatigue, negatively impacting engagement, productivity, and overall workplace well-being. The study draws from theories such as the Uses and Gratifications (UG) perspective, Social Information Processing (SIP) theory, and the Hyperpersonal Model to explain how individuals attempt to manage their self-presentation in digital environments.

One of the key findings is that individuals who are more dissatisfied with their facial appearance experience higher levels of VM fatigue. This fatigue, in turn, drives the use of impression management tools such as video filters, touch-up features, and avatars. These tools allow users to modify their appearance in an attempt to alleviate the stress associated with self-scrutiny. However, while these features may provide short-term relief, they do not necessarily enhance perceptions of the usefulness of virtual meetings in the long run.

The study also builds on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explore how VM fatigue affects users’ willingness to continue using virtual meeting platforms. The findings indicate that VM fatigue negatively impacts perceived usefulness, which in turn reduces individuals’ intent to adopt and regularly engage with virtual meetings. Interestingly, while fatigue diminishes perceptions of how beneficial the technology is, it does not significantly impact perceived ease of use, suggesting that the emotional and psychological toll of virtual meetings plays a greater role in adoption decisions than technical difficulties.

The researchers explored whether impression management behaviours moderate these effects. While the study initially hypothesised that greater use of filters, avatars, and other self-presentation tools might mitigate VM fatigue, the findings did not support this assumption. Instead, the study suggests that even with access to these features, dissatisfaction with one’s appearance and the resulting fatigue continue to play a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards virtual meetings.

The study’s findings have significant implications for workplace policies and the design of virtual meeting technologies. Organisations looking to foster a more inclusive and worker-friendly virtual environment should consider implementing strategies to reduce the psychological strain of VMs. This could include encouraging camera-optional meetings, designing more realistic and professional-looking avatars, and fostering an office culture that prioritises substance over appearance in virtual interactions.

Ultimately, while virtual meetings have become an indispensable tool for modern work, their long-term success depends on addressing the psychological challenges they pose. Understanding how facial appearance dissatisfaction and VM fatigue impact workplace engagement is essential for improving the digital work environment and ensuring that virtual meetings remain a viable and productive option for professionals worldwide.

Main image: Narcissus by Caravaggio. Public domain