October 07, 2024 09:03 am IST
A recent study found that some virtual backgrounds are better than others, and your Zoom background may affect how tired you feel after a video call.
Videoconferencing offers many benefits, but it also has some disadvantages. Did you know that spending hours on video calls can cause physical, emotional or cognitive fatigue – a phenomenon known as videoconferencing fatigue (VF). A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology investigated whether our choice of virtual background could affect how tired we get from video calls. Read this also Do you think mental health is on your mind? This study shows how big a role your body plays
Be careful with your virtual background choices
Researchers surveyed 610 videoconferencing users in Singapore and found some interesting relationships between the type of background used by participants and their levels of VF. The results showed that those who used the video background experienced the highest levels of VF. People who used blurred backgrounds experienced higher VF than those who used still images.
“We show that the use of different types and materials of virtual backgrounds can contribute to VF… Users who use video virtual backgrounds report higher levels of VF than those who use image or blurred virtual backgrounds. Let’s experience it,” said co-Heng Zhang. The authors of the study published in Frontiers in Psychology and researchers at Nanyang Technological University’s Wei Kim Wei School of Communication and Information.
“Our brains respond automatically to new information in the environment. This consumes cognitive resources, leading to increased cognitive load and resulting in VF,” Zhang said.
key takeaways
If you’re feeling depressed after a video call, changing your virtual background may be helpful. In addition to the type of background, the environment depicted in the background can also affect VF. Zhang said, “Users who use nature-themed backgrounds report lower levels of VF than others… In a work setting, nature-themed image backgrounds may be the ideal choice. “
Other backgrounds, such as office settings or public spaces, may increase the pressure on people to present themselves as if they were actually in one of those settings, increasing fatigue. Therefore, the new study suggests sticking to still images, especially nature scenes, and avoiding video backgrounds that look too ‘professional’.
While this study focused on a specific population and didn’t look at other factors that contribute to VF, it definitely gives you something to think about the next time you’re getting ready for a virtual meeting.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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