Are you suffering from Zoom Passive-Aggression?

OVERVIEW

Zoom Passive Aggression (ZPA) is when the participants of a Zoom meeting try to mask their annoyance by being extra sweet and supportive, only to end up being the opposite.

It’s a little-studied social issue that can be absolutely terrifying, especially when you are on the receiving end.

ZPA can also occur on platforms such as Collaborate Ultra. It’s common in TAs and professors but can spread to students as well. Sensitive souls beware.

SYMPTOMS

Keyboard emojis :) :(

Typically used by a TA or instructor while responding to dense and/or repetitive questions about the course syllabus.
These OG pre-smartphone emojis are perfect for expressing one’s suppressed anger and desire to run over the inquirer with a 50 megaton bulldozer.

“Just to comment on what ____ said…”

You disagree with what they say, but Zoom etiquette forbids you from being disrespectful.
Or you wanted to make the exact same point but they unmuted themselves faster.

!!!

Often used by over-enthusiastic chat moderators.
Frequently seen in classes where participation is worth 20% of the grade but the student is not willing to use 20% of their brain power.

“That's a great question!!”

*proceeds to direct you to Piazza*

“Hey, I think your mic may be muted.”

Usually said out loud by multiple participants to the one poor soul whose mic is muted.
Almost always followed by a tense moment of silence as the mutee frantically attempts to grasp the situation. [****is “mutee” a way to describe someone who’s muted?]
The mutee often spent hours mustering up the courage to speak, only to completely beef it in front of their peers.
We know the pain from personal experience.

“That’s a great point BUT...”