Virtual meetings (VMs) have become a fixture of modern work, but they come with drawbacks. A study from Michigan State University finds that people who dislike their facial appearance are more likely to feel exhausted by virtual meetings—a phenomenon known as “Zoom fatigue.” This fatigue, in turn, leads them to use video filters and other appearance-enhancing tools and makes them less likely to embrace virtual meeting technology.
As remote and hybrid work grows, VM fatigue is emerging as a serious issue for both productivity and well-being. While researchers have studied its psychological effects, less is known about how it shapes attitudes toward virtual meeting platforms. This study aimed to close that gap by examining how concerns about appearance contribute to fatigue and influence technology use.
Unhappy with appearances
The researchers surveyed 2,448 U.S. professionals who work remotely at least part of the time and regularly use VMs. Their analysis found that people who feel unhappy with their appearance are more prone to VM fatigue. To manage this discomfort, they turn to video touch-ups, filters, and avatars. But rather than making VMs more appealing, these tools seem to reinforce the idea that virtual meetings are draining, reducing users’ willingness to rely on them.
These findings highlight an overlooked factor in VM fatigue: the strain of seeing one’s own face on screen. While video filters offer a temporary fix, they do not solve the deeper problem. The study has limits—it focuses only on U.S. workers and relies on self-reported data, meaning it cannot prove cause and effect. The authors suggest that future research should look at cultural differences and explore how VM platforms can better support workers’ psychological well-being.
“Our study shows that feeling bad about one’s appearance adds to Zoom fatigue, making people less likely to embrace virtual meetings,” the authors conclude. “To improve virtual communication, we need to consider not just the technology, but the human experience behind it.”
