How do virtual backgrounds impact user perception during calls?

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Virtual Backgrounds Influence Self-Perception and How Others Perceive Users in Video Calls

Virtual backgrounds in video conferencing are not merely aesthetic choices; they actively shape how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. Research indicates that users tend to focus significantly on their own image during these calls, making the chosen background a critical element of self-presentation. This effort to curate one's appearance can contribute to fatigue, especially when the background itself demands substantial cognitive processing.
Virtual Backgrounds as a Tool for Self-Presentation

The selection of a virtual background can be likened to choosing attire for a specific occasion, acting as a deliberate "new suit" for the digital environment. This act of self-presentation is amplified in the context of video calls, where individuals are constantly aware of their on-screen appearance. The study involving 610 Singaporean Zoom users found that this deliberate effort to control one's image, particularly when aiming for professionalism with backgrounds like offices or public spaces, can exacerbate fatigue.
Cognitive Load and Fatigue from Dynamic Backgrounds

Backgrounds featuring dynamic elements, such as moving videos of beaches or swaying palm trees, were associated with the highest levels of videoconference fatigue. This phenomenon is attributed to the continuous influx of new information presented by these changing visuals, which consumes cognitive resources and increases overall cognitive load. The constant stimulation requires users to dedicate more mental energy to processing the background, detracting from the primary communication task.
The Impact of Blurred and Nature-Inspired Backgrounds

Blurred backgrounds were also linked to elevated tiredness levels, with researchers theorizing that they may evoke negative emotions, potentially drawing parallels to previous findings on the psychological impact of grey visual stimuli. Conversely, backgrounds depicting natural scenes like forests, mountains, or beaches, as well as more lighthearted or whimsical options, were associated with the lowest instances of videoconference fatigue. These naturalistic or playful backgrounds appear to strike a balance, offering a degree of psychological comfort while still maintaining an acceptable level of social decorum.

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How do virtual backgrounds impact user perception during calls?

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