Zoom backgrounds during virtual interviews are more important than you think

Video calls and virtual interviews quickly became the new normal in terms of business communications and correspondences among internal teams and co-workers during the pandemic. While this timely transition to more digital communication channels was probably inevitable in the long run, there’s no denying COVID-19 accelerated (and necessitated) its widespread adoption.

Personalized backgrounds during Zoom calls and interviews represent a fun way for modern professionals to personalize their teleconferencing profile. There’s a litany of choices to choose from, from static or blurred backgrounds to video scenes that play a short sequence on loop. Waves crashing on a sunny, idyllic beach, for example. 

Recent and relevant research just published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychology now reports that a specific variety of Zoom background is linked to far higher rates of videoconferencing fatigue (VF). An increasingly common phenomenon among workers regularly utilizing teleconferencing technology, VF is associated with physical, emotional, or cognitive tiredness.

In other words, Zoom calls can be exhausting. Let’s take a closer look at the role virtual interview backgrounds play in videoconferencing fatigue. 

Video backgrounds promote Zoom fatigue

In a nutshell, this study’s main finding is that video backgrounds show the strongest association with post-virtual call fatigue. Meanwhile, those who used blurred backgrounds dealt with higher VF than others utilizing static images.

“We show that the use of different types and contents of virtual backgrounds can contribute to VF,” says Heng Zhang, co-author of the study and a researcher at the Nanyang Technological University Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, in a media release. “Users who utilize video virtual backgrounds experience higher levels of VF compared to those who use image or blurred virtual backgrounds.”

Why is this the case? A moving video background may look nice, but researchers explain such dynamic landscapes also require more cognitive energy.

“Our brains automatically react to new information in the environment. This consumes cognitive resources, which then increases cognitive load and consequently leads to VF,” Zhang explains.

Video backgrounds: A constant interruption

Study authors surveyed a cohort of over 600 people. The questionnaires asked participants if they used virtual backgrounds at all, and if so, which type of background (static image, blurred image, video) they preferred. 

Additionally, VF was measured via a five-point scale measuring fatigue levels across a number of unique dimensions (visual, social, motivational, and emotional). All study subjects were between the ages of 22 and 76 years old, and working from home roughly three days per week.

A major factor in the fatigue-inducing effects of video backgrounds, the study details, is just how much new information is contained in the background.

“Image backgrounds initially present new information, but users might gradually shift their attention elsewhere. Blurred backgrounds don’t introduce new information, but occasionally users may catch glimpses of the real environment, which presents new information. Video backgrounds, however, continuously introduce new information, constantly interrupting users’ attention and putting a demand on cognitive resources.”

Virtual background content matters too

Besides the type of video chat background, study authors also stress that what’s actually being displayed plays a big role as well. Specifically, backgrounds of all kinds showing nature appear to be best for warding off lethargy.

“Users who use nature-themed backgrounds report lower levels of VF compared to others,” Zhang adds. “In a work setting, a nature-themed image background might be the ideal choice.”

More corporate-themed backgrounds (office settings, public spaces), meanwhile, often lead users to “self-present” as if they are actually located in one of those settings, which subsequently results in more fatigue.

While speaking on video calls in relaxed settings, participants using lighthearted or funny backgrounds usually reported the lowest VF levels. So, researchers believe it is essential for users to choose their Zoom backgrounds appropriately. Different calls and contexts will call for different backgrounds. The right choices in this regard can both boost overall meeting/video call effectiveness and increase users’ psychological experience, promoting lower levels of fatigue associated with videoconferencing.

Zoom calls and virtual interviews: A work in progress

This project provides a much-needed scientific starting point to begin optimizing the videoconferencing experience and assist users in making more informed choices. The research team points out this work may be especially relevant for people who use video calls often on the job, and may end up helping many cultivate greater on-the-job well-being. 

Still, further research is needed focusing on how different age groups and video call purposes influence the association between virtual backgrounds and VF. Moreover, while it’s certainly true that most people spend lots of time watching themselves while on a video call, the role of other peoples’ backgrounds on videoconferencing fatigue warrants investigation.

“A more comprehensive understanding of the role of virtual backgrounds in videoconferencing could provide more targeted recommendations for future research and practice,” Zhang concludes.