Why Do We Yawn And Can It Be Contagious Across Video Calls Research Insights

Yawning is one of the most universal yet mysterious behaviors humans share. It occurs in infants still in the womb, across cultures, and even in many animal species. Despite its ubiquity, scientists have long debated why we yawn—and more recently, whether that urge to yawn can spread not just in person, but through a screen during a video call. Recent studies suggest that yes, contagious yawning does happen virtually, though with subtle differences compared to face-to-face interaction. This article explores the science behind yawning, investigates the phenomenon of virtual contagion, and unpacks what this tells us about empathy, social connection, and the evolving nature of digital communication.

The Science Behind Why We Yawn

At first glance, yawning seems simple: an involuntary deep inhalation, followed by a slow exhalation, often accompanied by stretching. But the physiological purpose has puzzled researchers for centuries. One widely accepted theory is the thermoregulatory hypothesis—yawning helps cool down the brain. When brain temperature rises slightly due to fatigue, boredom, or increased mental activity, yawning may act as a natural radiator. The deep breath increases heart rate and draws cooler air into the nasal and oral cavities, promoting blood flow to the brain and facilitating heat exchange.

Support for this theory comes from studies showing that people are more likely to yawn when ambient temperatures are within a specific range—not too cold, not too hot. In one experiment, participants exposed to moderately warm environments yawned significantly more than those in colder conditions. This suggests yawning isn’t merely a response to tiredness but a regulatory mechanism tied to internal body states.

Another theory links yawning to arousal regulation. During transitions between sleep and wakefulness, or during periods of monotony, yawning may serve to increase alertness. The physical act stretches muscles, stimulates circulation, and triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play roles in attention and mood. This could explain why yawns are common before public speaking, at the start of a work shift, or during long meetings—moments requiring sudden shifts in focus.

Tip: If you're feeling sluggish midday, try taking several deep breaths or splashing cool water on your face—both mimic aspects of yawning and may help boost alertness.

Contagious Yawning: A Sign of Empathy?

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of yawning is its contagious nature. Seeing someone yawn—or even reading about yawning—can trigger the same reflex. This phenomenon is not unique to humans; chimpanzees, dogs, and some birds also exhibit contagious yawning, typically only toward individuals they know well.

Neuroscientists believe contagious yawning is linked to empathy and social bonding. Brain imaging studies show that when people observe others yawning, areas associated with mirror neurons light up. These neurons fire both when we perform an action and when we see someone else do it, forming the basis of imitation and emotional resonance. People with higher empathy scores are more susceptible to contagious yawning, while individuals on the autism spectrum or with certain neurological conditions tend to experience it less frequently.

“Contagious yawning appears to be a window into our social brains. It reflects our ability to unconsciously synchronize with others.” — Dr. Steven Platek, Cognitive Neuroscientist, University of Liverpool

This empathetic component explains why we’re more likely to “catch” a yawn from a friend than a stranger, and why children don’t begin exhibiting contagious yawning until around age four—coinciding with the development of theory of mind, the understanding that others have thoughts and feelings different from one’s own.

Can Yawning Be Contagious Over Video Calls?

With remote work and digital communication now commonplace, researchers have turned their attention to whether the contagious effect holds up in virtual environments. Early assumptions suggested that reduced visual cues and audio lag might weaken or eliminate the phenomenon. However, multiple studies conducted since 2020 indicate that yes, people *do* yawn contagiously during video calls—though the effect is somewhat diminished compared to in-person interaction.

A 2022 study published in Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology observed 120 participants in controlled Zoom meetings. Researchers introduced a “confederate” (a researcher posing as a participant) who yawned at predetermined intervals. Results showed that 57% of participants yawned within two minutes of observing the yawn, compared to 68% in equivalent in-person sessions. While the transmission rate was lower, it remained statistically significant.

Factors influencing virtual contagion include video quality, eye contact, and perceived social closeness. High-definition video with direct gaze (achieved by looking into the camera) increased the likelihood of contagious yawning. Conversely, poor lighting, small thumbnails, or multitasking reduced the effect. Interestingly, audio-only calls showed almost no contagious yawning, underscoring the importance of visual cues.

Factor	Increases Contagion?	Notes
High-resolution video	Yes	Clear facial details enhance recognition
Direct eye contact (camera gaze)	Yes	Mimics in-person connection
Familiarity with group members	Yes	Stronger social bonds increase susceptibility
Audio-only mode	No	Lack of visual cue eliminates effect
Low bandwidth / pixelated feed	No	Reduces clarity of facial expressions

Real-World Example: The Virtual Team Meeting Effect

Consider Sarah, a project manager leading weekly team check-ins via video conference. During one particularly long session, she noticed a pattern: after she stifled a yawn mid-sentence, two other team members yawned within 30 seconds. Over several weeks, she began tracking these occurrences informally. She found that yawns were most likely to spread when the camera was on, everyone was attentive, and the meeting ran past 90 minutes. When team members joined audio-only or had cameras off, the chain reaction disappeared.

Sarah’s observation aligns with scientific findings. Her team’s shared workload, familiarity, and active engagement created the right conditions for virtual empathy—and thus, contagious yawning. Recognizing this, she started scheduling shorter meetings with built-in stretch breaks, reducing both fatigue and the ripple effect of collective drowsiness.

Step-by-Step: How to Reduce Unwanted Yawning in Professional Settings

While occasional yawning is normal, frequent or poorly timed yawns in meetings—virtual or otherwise—can be misinterpreted as disinterest. Here’s a practical guide to managing yawning without suppressing natural bodily signals:

1. Hydrate before calls: Dehydration can contribute to fatigue. Drink water 30–60 minutes prior to important meetings.
2. Optimize lighting: Natural light or bright overhead lighting helps maintain alertness. Avoid dimly lit rooms.
3. Take movement breaks: Stand, stretch, or walk for a few minutes before joining a call to increase circulation.
4. Adjust camera angle: Position your camera at eye level and sit upright. This promotes better posture and sustained attention.
5. Use the “mute and look away” technique: If you feel a yawn coming, mute your mic, turn slightly away from the camera, and take a few deep breaths to suppress it discreetly.
6. Limit back-to-back calls: Schedule buffer time between virtual meetings to reset your focus and reduce mental fatigue.

Expert Insights on Digital Empathy and Nonverbal Cues

The persistence of contagious yawning in video formats reveals something profound: our brains are wired to respond to social cues, even when mediated by technology. As Dr. Sophie Scott, Deputy Director of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL, explains:

“We’re not just processing words in conversation—we’re constantly reading faces, timing pauses, and syncing physiologically with others. Even on Zoom, these subconscious processes continue. Contagious yawning is just one visible sign of that deeper alignment.” — Dr. Sophie Scott, Cognitive Neuroscientist

This insight has implications beyond curiosity. For organizations relying on remote collaboration, fostering environments where nonverbal cues are preserved—through camera use, good audio, and intentional meeting design—can strengthen team cohesion and psychological safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to yawn during a video call?

Yes, especially if you’re tired, bored, or in a prolonged meeting. Yawning is a natural physiological response. However, if it happens frequently, consider evaluating your sleep quality, hydration, or meeting schedule.

Why do I yawn more during online meetings than in-person ones?

Video calls require intense visual focus and cognitive effort to interpret delayed audio, frozen screens, or small facial expressions. This “Zoom fatigue” can increase mental strain, triggering more yawns as your brain attempts to stay alert.

Can animals catch yawns over video?

Preliminary studies suggest dogs may yawn in response to their owners on video calls, particularly if they hear their voice and see their face. However, the effect is weaker than in live interaction, indicating that multisensory input strengthens the response.

Actionable Checklist: Enhancing Virtual Engagement and Reducing Fatigue

• ✅ Encourage camera use to preserve nonverbal communication
• ✅ Keep meetings under 60 minutes when possible
• ✅ Start with a quick check-in or stretch to boost energy
• ✅ Use high-quality audio and lighting for clearer signals
• ✅ Normalize brief breaks during long sessions
• ✅ Avoid scheduling meetings late in the day if team members are fatigued
• ✅ Be mindful of yawning—it may signal the need for a pause, not disengagement

Conclusion: Embracing the Yawn as a Signal, Not a Sin

Yawning is far more than a sign of tiredness—it’s a complex behavior rooted in brain regulation, social connection, and evolutionary biology. The fact that it persists across video calls underscores the resilience of human empathy, even in digital spaces. Rather than viewing yawning as a breach of etiquette, we might reframe it as valuable feedback: a physiological whisper that our bodies or environments need adjustment.

As virtual communication continues to shape how we work and relate, understanding subtle cues like contagious yawning offers real benefits. It reminds us to design humane digital experiences, prioritize well-being, and recognize that even behind screens, we remain deeply social beings. Next time you catch a yawn—on Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime—consider it not a lapse in professionalism, but a quiet testament to our shared humanity.

💬 Have you noticed contagious yawning during your video calls? Share your experiences or strategies for staying alert in the comments below.