Zoom fatigue: online communication platforms and technologies of the self

In a recent paper in the journal Technology, Mind and Behavior Stanford University communications professor Jeremy Bailenson discusses the psychological impact of online communication platforms. Essentially, he argues, these platforms put us under “nonverbal overload” by showering us with nonverbal communication, notably images of faces. We are constantly under scrutiny, either looked at by others or looking at ourselves. This encourages a sort of hyper-vigilance and “zoom fatigue”, he says.