Attending class from the comfort of one’s bed used to be every student’s dream, but now has it turned into a nightmare? Since the start of Covid-19 students, the education system all over the world has gone haywire. As it would not have been possible to maintain social distance to such a large extent, schools and colleges decided to switch to an online mode.
As the world stopped, education could not. Zoom Calls, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams now became the substitute for a regular physical classroom. In the beginning, students enjoyed the idea of waking up and just turning on their computers instead of waking up and going to an actual classroom. But this happiness was short-lived. As the pandemic days continued, time spent on a screen also increased. Although many governments have stated regulations that state that online classes cannot exceed more than four to five hours a day the time spent on a screen continued to increase.
Zoom fatigue is a term that we have all come to know and use regularly daily. Who knew we were the generation that is obsessed with the internet and our computers are now getting exhausted looking at a screen? Zoom fatigue is essentially a term that describes the exhaustion or tiredness felt by those who spend countless hours on video calls. This exhaustion is usually followed by a feeling of dread before the next one.
“Not only do I spend 5+ hours on video calls, but on top of that, I have assignments piled up. It’s not easy, because there is a lot of prep time that goes into both class and the assignments. I also have to maintain personal relationships and conversations on WhatsApp so my average screen time is more than 8 hours a day.” — Nandita Potnis who is a Mumbai University Masters Student.
Human beings are social animals. We are heavily dependent on verbal and non-verbal communication for our comprehension of a conversation. Things like eye contact, hand gestures, straying eyes on a regular day to day conversation to understand what is needed of us through that conversation. Sometimes individuals also communicate silently through the use of facial expressions without using the spoken word. The combination of verbal and non-verbal cues paints a holistic picture of the purpose of the conversation.
Now that the only way we have any interaction is through a tiny screen, that neck up. Most of the time teachers and students do not even switch on their cameras, making it harder for our brains to process the information given out in class. Since we now solely rely on verbal communication, it is as though our brains are working double time.
“I feel tired all the time now. I prefer learning in an actual classroom. It gets difficult and awkward to speak in class, because there are times when you all speak over someone else. Our professors constantly ask us if we are paying attention, but it’s so easy to zone out now. I barely get time for myself now. I don’t remember the last time I watched a show or even opened the Netflix browser. I hope we go back to class soon.” Aditi Paul is a Student at Manipal University.
Always being on a screen has a significant adverse effect on the health of an individual, it can cause issues with eyesight, headaches or migraines, and even sleep issues such as insomnia.
When it comes to the mental health of a student, Zoom calls and Google meet can be the cause of anxiety for a lot of introverted students. Previously, they were able to tell if they were going to be called out in class, now with this new online mode, it is as if they are being pinpointed on and that can negatively affect them.
Other forms of anxiety are caused by shoddy internet connection so missing a point in class along with the fact that a family member might walk in while class is going on and the student’s camera is on is a major cause of anxiety.
Jisha Skariah, a counseling psychologist states that constant use of gadgets and online classes can also cause issues of regular interactions.
“In the future students might find it difficult to have a live conversation after constantly being on an online class or gadget.”
For all the students who are still studying and find it hard to cope, we at Fuzia urge you to hang in there. The education system was turned upside down as the pandemic situation continues to persist. It is touch and go for institutions as well, as we all try to adapt to this new online method.
One way to cope with this phenomenon is by reducing your unnecessary screen time. Yes, we have to be on a screen for the better part of our day, but when you can, try and disconnect. Also, take small breaks whenever possible, go for a walk, meet a friend. But remember to be safe!
If you have any more thoughts on this topic, feel free to drop a comment in the box below and we’ll have a chat.
If you want to know more about zoom fatigue check out this National Geographic article by Clicking Here
Check out an article on feminism by clicking on the link here!
Originally published at https://www.fuzia.com.