Neurophysiological foundations of videoconference fatigue

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The rapid integration of videoconferencing into everyday work and life has led to a phenomenon known as videoconference fatigue (VCF), characterized by feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and burnout associated with excessive virtual meetings. While behavioral and psychological aspects of VCF have been studied, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown, although two studies using neurophysiological measures have recently been published. However, a better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms associated with VCF is important for the development of interventions to mitigate the negative effects of VCF and improve the well-being of users.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the neurophysiological underpinnings of VCF by inviting contributions that explore:

• Neural Correlates of VCF: Investigations using neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques to identify brain regions and networks implicated in VCF.

• Cognitive Load and Neural Activity: Studies examining how sustained attention, multitasking, and information processing during videoconferencing influence neural activity patterns (based on brain activity measurement and measurement of autonomic nervous system activity).

• Sensory Processing and Overload: Research on how continuous exposure to audiovisual stimuli in virtual meetings affects sensory processing pathways and contributes to fatigue.

• Individual Differences: Analyses of how personality traits, gender, age, among other factors, as well as pre-existing conditions like anxiety or sensory sensitivities, modulate neurophysiological responses to videoconferencing.

• Intervention Strategies: Evaluations of neurophysiologically informed interventions (e.g., including the use of specific virtual backgrounds, breaks between consecutive videoconference sessions) to alleviate VCF.

• Real-time detection of VCF: Identification of neurophysiological measures and corresponding features and methods to be used to detect VCF in real-time (e.g., during a videoconferencing session).

We welcome original research articles and theoretical or conceptual papers that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the neurophysiological foundations of VCF. Submissions should adhere to the guidelines of Frontiers in Human Neuroscience and will undergo rigorous peer review.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Videoconference fatigue, brain, neurophysiology, cognitive load, sensory processing, individual differences, intervention strategies, real-time detection

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.