Given today’s era of virtual meetings, it’s highly likely that each of us has faced it (literally) or seen it staring back at us during a moment of self-awareness on a video call: Resting Zoom Face (RZF), that expressionless or unintentionally intense face we project during online meetings. A face that screams, “I’m paying attention, but my eyebrows and mouth must’ve missed the memo.”
Unlike that other “resting face” popularized by internet culture, this one isn’t about attitude. It’s about managing the demands of virtual interaction.
Here’s the scoop on why RZF happens, what it communicates, and how to keep your virtual presence approachable and authentic. Spoiler: it might involve looking at yourself less.
Why Do We Have RZF?
There are three reasons why we have RZF.
The focus factor: Video calls require more focus than in-person interactions. During virtual meetings, our brains are on overdrive––staring at small screens, managing tech glitches, and deciphering body language through tiny, pixelated squares. This state of intense focus can leave us feeling brain-fried—and make our faces look fried too.
Self-surveillance: Because our faces are constantly on display, the pressure to look engaged during virtual meetings adds another layer of complexity to the interaction. Ironically, this heightened self-awareness often results in an unnatural, frozen expression as we try to manage our appearance mid-call. In the process of trying to look human and natural, we can end up looking robotic.
Mental multitasking: Sometimes we’re juggling more than just the virtual meeting. Despite our desire to focus, it’s easy to slip and start multitasking behind the scenes—whether it’s answering emails, making coffee, or wrangling a toddler—which often leaves our faces in a neutral, slightly distracted limbo.
What Does RZF Communicate?
RZF isn’t inherently bad, but it can send unintended signals in professional or personal settings. Much like written messages fail to convey tone, our facial expressions can silently communicate the wrong message. It’s kind of like texting in all-caps: the vibe can get lost in translation. A neutral or blank expression might make you appear disengaged or uninterested, even if you’re paying close attention.
A tense, furrowed brow may unintentionally communicate frustration or disagreement––which is acceptable when you’re trying to catch typos in a 10-page whitepaper on compliance in the finance industry but is not so great during a team brainstorm or colleague’s presentation. Distracted or bored faces can send a “this-meeting-could-have-been-an-email-that-should-have-been-a-Slack-message” vibe, unintentionally undermining the speaker and the overall importance of the meeting and dialogue.
What predisposes us to RZF is the fact that virtual meetings lack the real-time energy exchange and body language of face-to-face conversations, making nonverbal cues even more significant. So, when in doubt, channel your inner emoji.
How Can We Resist RZF?
Here are a few simple strategies to help you convey attentiveness and approachability during virtual meetings. Bonus: they’ll also make you feel less like a virtual-meeting zombie.
Practice active listening: Nod occasionally or give a small smile to show you’re engaged. Think, “I’m here and I care” without overdoing the bobblehead effect. Use quick verbal affirmations like “That’s a great point” or “I agree.” Translation: “I’m totally not zoning out.” Take notes, using pen and paper. Trust us, it works.
Adjust your setup: Position your camera at eye level to avoid looking down (which can unintentionally make you appear uninterested or like a cartoon villain plotting revenge). Ensure good lighting—it brightens your face and adds energy to your presence. (No one wants to look like they’re broadcasting from a cave.)
Take screen breaks: Fatigue is a major contributor to RZF. Build in moments to look away from your screen and reset your facial muscles because let’s be real: your face deserves a break too. On heavy virtual-meeting days, identify a few conversations that can be conducted via phone only and, ideally, away from your computer—and preferably while walking. Multitasking with steps? Yes, please.
Check your face periodically: If you catch yourself with a less-than-ideal expression on your face, try relaxing your jaw, unfurrowing your brow, and taking a deep breath.
Use humor or personality: Injecting a bit of warmth or humor can make a virtual experience feel more human and relatable for everyone. Nothing says “I’m approachable” like cracking a lighthearted joke or sharing a meme-worthy moment. Even bad jokes can lighten the mood. I should know!
RZF Is a Shared Experience
RZF isn’t a personal flaw; it’s a symptom of the digital world we’ve all adapted to. In many ways, it’s a shared phenomenon and a subtle reminder of how technology shapes our human interactions. So, the next time you catch a glimpse of your RZF, remember: we’re all still learning to navigate connection in an increasingly virtual world.
Next up? The cameras-off-inspired syndrome, No Zoom Face.
