Virtual Fatigue
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Yes, it is a real term people use in 2024.
Yes, it is related to digital wellness, digital addictions, etc.
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Mental and physical exhaustion resulting from excessive time spent in virtual environments and digital interactions. Think: feeling drained after a day of back-to-back video calls, virtual meetings, and online classes.
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Virtual Fatigue — Digital Wellness Glossary
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Nov 12, 2024 09:56 PM
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Virtual Fatigue
[vur-choo-uhl fuh-teeg]
What Is Virtual Fatigue?
Mental and physical exhaustion resulting from excessive time spent in virtual environments and digital interactions. Think: feeling drained after a day of back-to-back video calls, virtual meetings, and online classes.
Word Origins:
Combines "virtual" (near or simulated) from Latin "virtualis" and "fatigue" (weariness) from Latin "fatigare." The term gained prominence during the 2020 pandemic when virtual interactions became the primary mode of communication.
Physical and Mental Symptoms
Common signs include headaches, eye strain, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and decreased productivity. The constant need to maintain digital eye contact and process non-verbal cues in a 2D environment strains cognitive resources more than in-person interactions.
Managing Virtual Fatigue
Implementing regular screen breaks, setting boundaries around virtual meetings, and practicing "camera-optional" policies when appropriate. Creating designated tech-free periods helps reset and restore mental energy.
Related Terms
- Zoom Fatigue: Specific exhaustion from excessive video conferencing
- Digital Exhaustion: Overall tiredness from prolonged digital engagement
- Digital Wellness: Maintaining healthy balance with technology use