Feeling drained and fatigued after virtual sessions on platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, or Microsoft Teams is a widespread experience, particularly as the use of videoconferencing surged during the early days of the pandemic. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "Zoom fatigue," has become a topic of anecdotal discussions as individuals report a unique state of exhaustion following video calls.

Supporting these anecdotal accounts, a recent brain-monitoring study has identified a connection between videoconferencing in educational settings and physical symptoms associated with fatigue. Published in Scientific Reports, the study specifically investigated 35 engineering students at an Austrian university. The participants attended a 50-minute lecture either via videoconference in a nearby lab followed by a face-to-face lecture the next week or in-person initially, followed by an online session. Monitoring tools such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded brain activity and heart rhythms. Surveys on mood and fatigue levels were also conducted.

The researchers sought physiological signs of fatigue, including distinctive brain waves, reduced heart rate, and indications that the nervous system might be compensating for growing exhaustion during the lecture. Notable differences emerged between the in-person and online groups. Video participants experienced increasing fatigue throughout the session, and their brain states indicated challenges in maintaining attention. Mood variations were evident, with in-person participants reporting livelier, happier, and more active feelings, while online participants expressed tiredness, drowsiness, and dissatisfaction.

Overall, the study underscores the physical toll of videoconferencing, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a complement to face-to-face interaction rather than a complete substitute. The researchers advocate for further exploration of this phenomenon in business and home settings, with a call for more comprehensive studies covering additional brain regions and a broader participant base.

Conducted as part of the "Technostress in Organizations" project, an Austrian-funded initiative focused on gathering empirical evidence on how technology affects the human body and brain, this research contributes to a growing body of knowledge that includes studies on "digital detoxes," workplace interruptions, and social network use.