At NOPI, we've recognized the importance of striking a balance between connectivity and well-being in the era of virtual meetings. The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably accelerated our reliance on platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration. However, we've noticed a growing trend within our organization: more and more of our team members choose to keep their cameras off during virtual meetings, and there's a good reason behind it.

The Zoom Revolution

Zoom's journey from a relatively obscure video conferencing tool to a ubiquitous part of our daily lives has been remarkable. Before the pandemic, businesses primarily used Zoom for remote meetings and webinars. However, COVID-19 catapulted it into the global spotlight. In the early days of the pandemic, it became the go-to platform for everything from business meetings and virtual happy hours to family gatherings and online classes.

As a result, the number of daily Zoom meeting participants skyrocketed from 10 million in December 2019 to over 300 million in April 2020. Zoom's rise can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, accessibility, and the dire need for a reliable video conferencing tool during lockdowns. While it undoubtedly helped us stay connected, it also introduced new challenges, including Zoom fatigue.

The Toll of Constant Video Calls

Zoom fatigue, characterized by feelings of exhaustion and burnout after continuous video conferencing, is a real issue affecting many individuals. One contributing factor to this fatigue is the constant pressure to be "on" during video calls. Unlike in-person meetings, where participants can blend into the background, video calls put individuals on full display. This feeling of being constantly observed can be mentally draining and detrimental to one's mental health, especially for individuals with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and body dysmorphia.

For neurodivergent individuals, being on camera can be particularly challenging. ADHD, for example, can make it difficult to maintain focus during meetings—the constant self-monitoring required when on camera can exacerbate this challenge. Anxiety can intensify in the spotlight, and body dysmorphia can lead to heightened self-consciousness. Turning off the camera can offer relief, allowing individuals to engage more effectively in the conversation without the added stress of constant visibility.

Moreover, addressing the gendered impact of always being on camera is crucial. Studies have shown that women, in particular, may feel pressured to appear polished and put-together on screen, compounding the emotional labor they often carry. This expectation can disproportionately affect women's mental health, adding another layer of stress to their professional lives.

How Turning Off the Camera Can Help

1. Reduced Self-Evaluation: When your camera is off, you're less likely to engage in self-critique. You're free from worrying about your appearance, background, or facial expressions, allowing you to focus solely on the content of the meeting.

2. Enhanced Privacy: Turning off your camera offers a sense of privacy. This can be especially important when discussing sensitive topics or during personal moments, like dealing with family matters or health concerns.

3. Decreased Zoom Fatigue: By reducing the cognitive load associated with being on camera, you can alleviate some of the mental exhaustion of back-to-back virtual meetings.

4. Enhanced Active Listening: Without the distraction of seeing yourself and others on camera, you may find concentrating on what's being said easier, fostering better communication and engagement.

5. Improved Mental Health: Ultimately, the ability to turn off your camera when needed can lead to improved mental health. It gives you more control over your virtual presence and allows you to prioritize your well-being during remote interactions.

Video meetings have revolutionized how we connect personally and professionally, particularly in a post-COVID world where remote work and virtual meetings are here to stay. While cameras-on meetings have their place, it's essential to recognize the value of turning off the camera to boost mental health. By allowing individuals to step back from the constant gaze of the camera, Zoom and other video conferencing platforms can create a more comfortable and productive virtual environment while promoting well-being, inclusivity, and equality. It's a small change that can make a big difference in maintaining our mental well-being in this new era of remote connectivity. So, don't hesitate to switch off your camera when needed – your mental health will thank you for it.

Sources

Karl, K., Peluchette, J. V., & Navid Aghakhani. (2021). Virtual Work Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Good, Bad, and Ugly. Small Group Research, 53(3), 343–365. https://doi.org/10.1177/10464964211015286

Ungar, E. (2020, December 21). 4 Reasons Why My ADHD Brain Rejects Zoom. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/zoom-and-the-adhd-brain/

Tretis, V. (2023). LinkedIn. Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/neuroinclusive-approach-virtual-meetings-victoria-tretis/

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