The Impact of 'Zoom Fatigue' on Mental and Physical Health
A brain-monitoring study published in the journal Scientific Reports has found a connection between videoconferencing and physical symptoms of fatigue, supporting the phenomenon known as "Zoom fatigue." The study monitored 35 students attending engineering lectures, with half attending via videoconference and the other half attending in person. Participants were monitored with EEG and ECG instruments, and surveys were conducted on their mood and fatigue levels. The study found notable differences between the in-person and online groups, with video participants experiencing mounting fatigue and struggling to pay attention. The research suggests that videoconferencing should be considered as a complement to face-to-face interaction, not a substitute, and calls for further studies in different settings to better understand the impact of videoconferencing on participants' bodies and brains.