Notes

All Zoomed Out?

Content of the article CONVERSATION



The article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site.



Are you all Zoomed out? How to deal with Zoom fatigue during the holiday season Back to video



--



Author: Jaigris Hodson, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Royal Roads University



Article content Well it's officially. Across North America and most of Western Europe, the Christmas celebrations will look very different this year. Since the second outbreak of the pandemic hit, we've been told to use virtual tools to connect with loved ones for some holiday cheer. In reality, we could be the only ones to attend in-person holiday gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 prior to the announcement of the vaccine.



Article content Unfortunately, however we've been doing everything digitally on our couches for months, and the majority of us are getting bored of the whole process and with good reason.



Do we just forget about holidays? Or do we seek out new ways to make the holidays memorable? My research into digital literacy has revealed ways we can be connected this holiday season even if we are physically apart.



Video is the answer to everything



The first few months of the pandemic filled with Zoom fever. People were also speeding to work, happy hour and board game nights along with other activities. There were many who felt like they hit a wall. Zoom fatigue is real. Recent research suggests that we may be getting tired of trying to connect to video chat platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Teams and others.



Article content While you think about how you can bring joy to the holidays and you would like to know how to accomplish this without using video chat, you also must find ways to get away from doing it all using video chat. Instead, learn from digital natives and enjoy the holiday season on various platforms.



Different platforms for different social groups



My research has shown that young people tend not to utilize social media platforms in a way that is based on the relationships they have with the platforms. Teenagers use Snapchat to keep in touch with their teachers and family, while using Facebook for school. They interact with their friends in massive multiplayer games.



This kind of interaction with digital tech is good for all. If you use Zoom for work, you may consider exploring other technologies to connect with family and friends. for example, you could use apps like Rave, Airtime or Teleparty to watch movies synchronously with friends. Or , you could connect with friends and family virtually in games like Animal Crossing, World of Warcraft, or Minecraft.



Article content Get digitally imaginative



There are many ways to connect with your loved ones and spread joy during the holidays. There are many ways to spread holiday cheer These are just a few of my favorite ways.



Curate and share a music playlist research on music sharing online has shown that sharing music is deeply connected to friendship. You could create a Christmas music playlist and share it with your friends on a streaming platform such as Spotify. This could make you more connected when you order food online, play games and share holiday-themed memes with your WhatsApp Group.



Send text messages: A 2016 study from the University of Minnesota showed that text message are perceived as being warmer and more personal than email. Stay in contact with your loved ones during the holidays by sending regular text messages. Sending gifs or emojis as your text messages will further increase your emotional connection with your loved ones.



Article content Host a virtual new Year's Eve celebration on YouTube A Christmas party is an important Scottish holiday tradition where family and friends gather to sing, share stories and dance. YouTube allows you to create a virtual celebration for those you love. Every participant can upload a video of them singing a song, telling a story, singing a poem, or playing an instrument. You can then curate the videos into an album that the group can enjoy while eating Christmas cookies. YouTube is a place where communities are created and videos are shared.



Turn on, tune in, and then go out.
bengawan.org


The holidays can be stressful. You might be tempted to accept every invitation. But, you have to take a moment to get away from your electronic devices. If you suffer from Zoom fatigue Some universities suggest that doctoral students include digital detox time into their schedules.



Article content Sometimes, you'll need to make use of Videoconferencing to recreate a festive meal or cocktail party. To prevent fatigue, make sure to keep in mind the other ways to connect that we have discussed previously.



Don't forget the old-fashioned ways of keeping in touch even if you aren't using your computer. You can send cards, phone or write your loved ones. Sometimes, these are the most memorable because they are something we encounter often in our uber-connected world.



-



Jaigris Hodson's research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Canada Research Chairs Program.



https://theconversation.com/all-zoomed-out-how-to-deal-with-zoom-fat https://theconversation.com/all-zoo


Here's my website: https://bengawan.org/