Threat Detected: Hypergaze and the Evolutionary Roots of Burnout on Video Calls

Abstract Purpose: Hypergaze—the perception of being stared at simultaneously by multiple colleagues during video conferencing—has been linked to workplace stress. In nature, sustained direct eye gaze often connotes threat. We propose that the Social Competition Hypothesis, which views depression as an evolved appeasement response to avert ingroup conflict, explains burnout triggered by hypergaze. We further suggest that this response reflects an evolutionary mismatch between the modern workplace and our social instincts. The purpose of the current study is to test the relationship between hypergaze, videoconferencing features, social rank and competition-related variables, and burnout. Method: Participants (N=256) completed an online survey comprised of burnout, videoconference variables, and variables related to social rank and competition. Results: Hypergaze—along with several social rank, competition, and video conferencing variables—predicted burnout. Negative gossip mediated the hypergaze-burnout relationship, while perceived social rank moderated the relationship. Conclusion: Results support the hypothesis of burnout as an evolved appeasement response. They further suggest that hypergaze stress reflects an evolutionary mismatch in which videoconferencing activates evolved psychological mechanisms related to rank, social competition, and threat detection.