[Zoom and other video conferencing platforms are an invaluable communication tool now more than ever and provide a relatively high level of presence to users, but they are also exhausting. This thoughtful analysis from The Convivial Society examines some of the presence-related and other reasons. For more on this topic see stories from the BBC, Wall Street Journal (by our colleague Jeremy Bailenson; requires subscription), and Fast Company. For an analysis of media alternatives based on bandwidth and immediacy see a post in the IDDblog from the Center for Teaching and Learning at DePaul University.–Matthew]

A Theory of Zoom Fatigue

The Convivial Society: Dispatch No. 5
L. M. Sacasas
April 20, 2020

Why is video-conferencing so exhausting?

The question is worth asking because it might be helpful to understand what is involved in an activity many of us cannot now avoid.… read more. “A theory of Zoom fatigue”

[The 4:20 minute film in this story from dezeen explores how virtual reality is the latest and most advanced technology for creating social and spatial presence (though the term isn’t used). The original story includes seven different images and the film is also available via YouTube. The video and more images and information are available on the Space Popular website. –Matthew]

Swapping video calls for VR will change our homes forever says Space Popular

Amy Frearson
20 April 2020

This movie [available in the original story] by Space Popular explores how virtual reality could become as widespread as the video call, allowing our homes to digitally merge with those of our loved ones.

Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls have become a major form of communication, as people around the world face the realities of life and work in coronavirus shutdown.… read more. “The Venn Room: Short film explores how VR will change our homes forever”

[The pandemic has led to an increase in informal, intimate mediated concerts likely to evoke multiple forms of presence, as reported in this story from VOX (where the original includes nine video examples). See in particular the material following the added heading “[Presence-evoking characteristics of live streamed concerts]” and the last two short paragraphs. For another vivid example, see the recording of a Facebook Live living room concert by Eileen Jewel that I “attended” recently. For more information see NPR’s updated list of future concerts and CNBC’s coverage that focuses on “the future of the livestreamed concert beyond coronavirus.” –Matthew]

How “quarantine concerts” are keeping live music alive as venues remain closed

Live music is now more intimate than ever, thanks to social media.

By Allegra Frank
April 8, 2020

For many live music fans, spring is the most important season, as bands hit the road and huge festivals, such as South by Southwest and Coachella, kick off a busy concert season.… read more. “Live streamed “quarantine concerts” are making live music more intimate than ever”

[CNN is one of several press outlets reporting on an animal sanctuary’s clever way of entertaining and educating as they connect people with farm animals via Zoom (I seriously considered booking a “Goat-2-Meeting” for our next department meeting but they’re booked until June). Business Insider’s coverage adds that “Goat 2 Meeting is just one example of the innovative projects and offerings that have popped up in recent weeks to bring people together virtually.” and KQED adds “’There is a strong need for people to really get out, even through this vicarious video screen,’ said Sweet Farm co-founder Nate Salpeter.” and “The nonprofit’s end goal, both online and off, is to raise awareness about the evils of industrialized agriculture and the joys of treating animals like friends instead of meat.” For more details and to book a Goat-2-Meeting, see the Sweet Farm website.… read more. “This farm sanctuary will let you invite a llama or goat to your next video meeting”

[Warning: Adult content. Sexuality is a common but under studied and discussed application area for presence. As this concise and link-filled story from The Conversation states, in the current global situation “digital technology has never been so central to human sexual and intimate connection.” See the original story for a different image. –Matthew]

[Image: Source: Cosmopolitan]

Online sex parties and virtual reality porn: Can sex in isolation be as fulfilling as real life?

April 16, 2020
Jennifer Power, Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
Andrea Waling, ARC DECRA Research fellow, La Trobe University

The public health response to COVID-19 has placed unprecedented limits on social contact. Many people may go without physical sexual intimacy for an extended (and indefinite) period.

Given human touch and connection are fundamental to humanity, this could have significant implications for the well-being of those who are single or apart from their sexual partners.… read more. “Presence and sexuality during a pandemic”