It’s interesting that the majority of literature concerning screen time is geared toward parents who want to know if they should be limiting their children’s screen time. However, this is also a question for adults: how much screen time is too much? The majority of Americans are reporting that they spend more time looking at screens than before the pandemic began. At what point are screens no longer fun?
Zoom fatigue is draining the energy out of many workers, and many feel pressured to gaze at their screen intently or multitask over the course of meetings. After a day of video meetings, social video chats or other extra-curricular Zoom meetings might seem less fun.
As for videos, big companies like Netflix that offer streamlined video selection on demand are offering value by reducing decision-making time. It’s still difficult for many to choose what to watch, so series enable viewers to binge watch episodes without having to make choices, research or find new sources of entertainment.
Video games enable players to be social by playing with others online. Websites like Steam let you buy games and find people to play with in one location. It is easy for gamers to establish a playing routine with friends by hopping on Steam after work.
Companies like Steam and Netflix enable fatigued computer workers a reliable place to spend time when they don’t want to think about work anymore. Unfortunately, engaging in a video chat or even surfing the web can feel like, well, work. The websites that provide a one-stop-shop for hours of entertainment on end are the winners in the digital fun zone.
While it’s not feasible for most companies to try to compete with major entertainment players, a better strategy might be to gain a slice of attention by establishing a presence on their audience’s go-to sites. For a busy remote worker who spends 30 minutes scrolling through Pinterest every day after work, this “me time” might be the most likely time to purchase. Because shopping shouldn’t feel like work.
Sources:
https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?q=zoom%20fatigue&geo=US
https://hbr.org/2020/04/how-to-combat-zoom-fatigue
https://uxplanet.org/breaking-paradox-of-choice-netflix-case-study-7f29107d1e2b
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