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Fatigued individuals show increased conformity in virtual meetings
Lisa Masjutin1, Anne Bangemann2, Leonie Reimann2
1Department of Psychology, Work and Organizational Psychology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany. masjutin@uni-bielefeld.de.
Scientific Reports
|August 13, 2024
Summary
Virtual meetings cause fatigue, but camera use doesn't increase conformity. This study found a link between fatigue and conformity in online meetings, offering insights for better video conference design.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Virtual meetings are prevalent but cause fatigue, known as Zoom fatigue.
- Concerns exist that camera use in virtual meetings may increase conformity.
- The relationship between camera use, fatigue, and conformity requires empirical investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of camera use on Zoom fatigue and conformity in professional online meetings.
- To explore the mediating role of social presence in the relationship between camera use and conformity.
- To examine the direct relationship between Zoom fatigue and conformity.
Main Methods:
- Two preregistered studies were conducted.
- Study 1: 287 participants retrospectively described online meetings regarding content, fatigue, social presence, and conformity.
- Study 2: 64 participants engaged in a manipulated online meeting (camera on/off) for a personnel selection task, measuring answer changes, fatigue, and conformity.
Main Results:
- Camera use was not significantly related to Zoom fatigue or conformity in either study.
- No mediation effect of social presence was found.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between Zoom fatigue and conformity.
Conclusions:
- Camera use does not appear to be a primary driver of conformity in virtual meetings.
- Zoom fatigue is directly linked to increased conformity, suggesting fatigue itself influences decision-making.
- Findings provide practical implications for optimizing virtual meeting environments to mitigate conformity pressures.
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