Zoom Numbness: Yale's Insight Unveiled, Here are 4 Fixes for Your Tired Brain

Let's cut to the chase: Zoom meetings, they're not the real deal, and your brain knows it. In a recent study, Yale neuroscientists have laid it out in black and white: when you're staring at faces on a screen, your brain is, to put it mildly, underwhelmed.

This isn't just a hunch; it's science. Pupil size and brain blood flow have spoken. The verdict? Virtual doesn't match up to face-to-face.

Surprised? You shouldn't be.

Here's what the eggheads found: when you're face-to-face, your pupils dilate more - a sign of emotional arousal. Your brain lights up like Times Square in the visual perception department.

But on Zoom? It's like your brain's on power-saving mode. You look, but you don't see the same way. Those tiny facial cues? They're lost in digital translation. This isn't just a glitch; it's a problem.

Four Solutions

So, what do we do about it? How do we combat this Zoom numbness? Let's break it down into four actionable strategies:

Mix It Up: Don't make Zoom your one and only. Variety is the spice of life, and your brain agrees. Switch between video calls and other communication forms – emails, phone calls, or, dare I say, face-to-face meetings when possible. This variety keeps your brain on its toes, preventing the Zoom-induced stupor.

Eye Contact Roulette: During a Zoom call, don't just stare at one spot. Move your gaze. Look at different faces if it's a group call. Mimic the natural movement of a real-life conversation. It's about tricking your brain into thinking it's getting the real deal.

Real World Anchor: This one's about grounding yourself. Keep something tangible from the real world close during your call. It could be a stress ball, a photo of your team, anything tactile. When your brain starts to float away into Zoom numbness, this anchor pulls you back, reminding your senses that the real world isn't that far away.

Take Breaks: Your brain needs a breather. Don't chain yourself to back-to-back Zoom calls. Stand up, walk around, give your eyes something else to look at. When you return, you're more likely to engage with the screen with renewed vigor.

Remember, this isn't about demonizing Zoom. It's a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how we use it. The key is to be aware of its limitations and adjust our approach accordingly.

Stay sharp, stay engaged, and keep your brain in the game.

Mitch Jackson, Esq. | Lawyer and Private Mediator