Right now, many of us are stuck behind computers more than ever before. Between work meetings and checking in with family, we’re all in more Zoom meetings and Google Hangouts than we can count. In fact, in 2020, Zoom saw its daily participants balloon to more than 300 million per day, up from just over 10 million in December of 2019.
This increase in Zoom activity is leading to what social scientists are colloquially calling “Zoom fatigue,” or the exhaustion you feel after a video conference-filled workday. According to recent research, Zoom calls are particularly exhausting, in part, because they force us to focus more intently on conversations in order to absorb information. These meetings can also make it harder to read or pick up on social or emotional cues, leading to mental exhaustion.
While we can’t eliminate your video work meetings altogether, we can help you make your next video meeting more engaging. With this in mind, we’ve created a shortlist of feminist and progressive ice breakers for you to ask at your next Zoom meeting. We hope that this helps brighten up your next Zoom — be it a work or personal call — and starts a conversation about important political issues.
If you could tell everyone in the world one thing right now, what would it be?
If you could change one law today, what would it be?
Outside of voting, what is one thing you think we should all be doing to build a more just and equitable world?
In three sentences, tell us what brought you to feminism.
Who is your feminist or progressive hero?
If there was one feminist or progressive resource that you wish everyone would read or view what would it be?
What are your feminist television show recommendations?
What is one piece of advice that you would want every young activist to know?
When you’re feeling defeated, what is one thing (quote, show, activity, book, Instagram page, etc.) that fills you with hope?
If you’re itching for some progressive camaraderie and networking, join our Socially Distanced Happy Hour this and every Friday at 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT. RSVP here.