Zoom Anxiety

Many people are stressed out due to the fear of accidentally turning their camera on and trouble finding the mute button. This stressful situation is still impacting our lives a year after the lockdown.

Last year as the world started to go into lockdown due to Coronavirus, many people started to use online video chat sites. Some used it for business meetings while others used it for official government conferences. The online platforms helped people to work from home in a safer environment. We all are aware of the term Zoom Fatigue- A sense of exhaustion after using zoom for a long time. People using zoom for studies or work meetings felt anxious. Studies have shown that people feel they have less control over online chats. They can’t see the body language or face hearing problems.

When we are talking with someone face to face, we can get their response through body language and their facial expressions. All of this is impossible on digital platforms like zoom. There are many psychological effects as well on people. Video chats to socialize can also cause stress. When meeting someone physically, we don’t feel the same pressure that is felt talking to them online.

In a country like Pakistan, where women don’t feel comfortable showing their face on camera, mutual discussions get complicated as responses can’t be seen on the other side. We all have to go with the flow and get used to this type of learning and socializing experience. Although the vaccines are rolling out and as more people get vaccinated hybrid form of work will initiate. Till then we have to keep using these digital platforms responsibly. 

 

Rana Ata Ur Rehman

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