Turning off video during online meetings can lead to improved communication and reduced fatigue, according to a study from Stanford University. The research suggests that the constant gaze of video conferencing can lead to a heightened sense of being watched, which can be stressful. Being on camera also limits mobility, which can add to this stress.
The study found that audio-only meetings can be just as effective, if not more so, than video meetings. Participants in audio-only meetings often report feeling less judged and more able to concentrate on the conversation. They also tend to feel less tired after such meetings.
One of the reasons for this is the ‘mirror effect’ of video meetings. In physical meetings, people don’t see their own faces, but in video meetings, they constantly see themselves, which can be distracting and exhausting.
It’s also suggested that video meetings can lead to an overemphasis on visual cues at the expense of auditory ones. In face-to-face meetings, people rely on various cues, including body language and tone of voice. In video meetings, however, the focus is often solely on facial expressions.
The study concludes by recommending that people consider turning off their cameras during online meetings to reduce fatigue and improve communication.
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