Study reveals Zoom backgrounds make users more tired

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Zoom backgrounds influence how tired people feel after a video call, according to new research.

Those who use video virtual backgrounds experience higher levels of fatigue compared to people who use image or blurred backgrounds, say scientists.

They wanted to find which type of background could leave people feeling less exhausted after a day of videoconferencing.

The team, based in Singapore, say that spending hours on video calls can be exhausting and manifest as physical, emotional, or cognitive tiredness – a phenomenon known as videoconferencing fatigue, or VF.

Study co-author Heng Zhang said: “We show that the use of different types and contents of virtual backgrounds can contribute to VF.

“Users who utilize video virtual backgrounds experience higher levels of VF compared to those who use image or blurred virtual backgrounds.”

The team conducted a survey of more than 600 participants who were asked whether they use virtual backgrounds, and what type of background - static image, blurred image, video, or no virtual background - they choose.

The researchers also measured VF using a five-point scale that indicated levels of general, visual, social, motivational, and emotional fatigue.

The participants were aged between 22 and 76 and worked from home around three days a week.

The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, showed that those who used video backgrounds experienced the highest levels of VF.

Users who use blurred backgrounds also experienced higher VF than those who use static images.

Zhang, a PhD candidate at the Nanyang Technological University Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, said: “Our brains automatically react to new information in the environment.

"This consumes cognitive resources, which then increases cognitive load and consequently leads to VF."

He explained that said the key is how much new information is contained in the background.

Zhang said: “Image backgrounds initially present new information, but users might gradually shift their attention elsewhere.

"Blurred backgrounds don’t introduce new information, but occasionally users may catch glimpses of the real environment, which presents new information.

"Video backgrounds, however, continuously introduce new information, constantly interrupting users’ attention and putting a demand on cognitive resources.”

He says that the environment depicted in the background can also influence VF.

Zhang said: “Users who use nature-themed backgrounds report lower levels of VF compared to others.

"Other backgrounds, such as office settings or public spaces can increase users’ pressure to self-present as if they actually were in one of those settings, leading to increased fatigue.

“In a work setting, a nature-themed image background might be the ideal choice."

When being on calls in relaxed settings, participants who used light-hearted and funny backgrounds reported the lowest VF levels.

The researchers say that it's important that users choose backgrounds appropriately, as different contexts call for different types of backgrounds.

Zhang said: "Making thoughtful choices could not only enhance meeting effectiveness, but also improve the users’ psychological experience, reducing the fatigue associated with videoconferencing."

The team say further research is needed to focus on how different age groups and video call purposes influence the relationship between virtual backgrounds and fatigue, as well as the role of other users’ backgrounds.

Zhang added: “A more comprehensive understanding of the role of virtual backgrounds in videoconferencing could provide more targeted recommendations for future research and practice."