Understanding videoconference fatigue: a systematic review of dimensions, antecedents and theories

Abstract

Purpose

While videoconferencing has allowed for meetings to continue in a virtual space without the need for face-to-face interaction, there have been increasing reports of individuals affected by a phenomenon colloquially known as videoconference fatigue (VF). This paper presents a systematic review of existing literature to understand the empirical manifestations of the phenomenon, the causes behind it and potential theoretical explanations behind its effects.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive search on four academic databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and produced 34,574 results, with 14 articles meeting the eligibility criteria.

Findings

Analyses showed that VF can be classified into four dimensions: physical, emotional, cognitive and social. Antecedents of VF can be organized into psychological, social, technical, chronemic and productivity factors. Potential theoretical explanations applied in existing studies were described and elaborated upon. The authors also highlight the importance of addressing social concerns as a key priority in alleviating VF.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic review of existing research on VF. The contribution of this paper is twofold: First, the authors described VF in a systematic and rigorous manner and provide theoretical insights, as much of the current discourse around VF tends to be based on anecdotal evidence and reports. Second, the authors explore potential theoretical explanations surrounding the phenomena, to address the lack of understanding behind the processes by which VF affects individuals.