Virtual backgrounds are overrated
I hate virtual backgrounds on video calls.
The technology is amazing but it’s so incredibly distracting for me. The little glitches, the weird blurry edges around people’s heads. It makes me uneasy, like an inverted uncanny valley problem.
(If you’re not familiar with the term, the uncanny valley refers to a feeling of uneasiness or repulsion that some people have when seeing objects that almost look like actual human beings but something is off, like zombies, corpses, or humanoid robots.)
Many companies encourage or require virtual / blurred backgrounds, and I understand the intent. You’re less likely to inadvertently leak sensitive information if your surroundings are blurred or obscured. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. And there’s some evidence that I’m not alone.
When I meet with people working from home or more exotic locations, I appreciate getting little glimpses into their physical context. It creates more opportunity for connection. Earlier this year, I learned that someone had a 100 pound dog because they turned off their virtual background and I spotted an enormous kennel. It created a nice moment for us to connect as dog owners.
Obviously, everyone’s situation is different and I would never insist that someone turn off their virtual background. Some people prefer the extra privacy or just don’t want to advertise that they’re working from a bedroom with an unmade bed. Others thoughtfully select a virtual background as a form of self-expression, which I applaud. (If you make The Sanctum Sanctorum your virtual background, it’ll eventually spark some conversation.)
I’m fortunate to have a room in our house to use as a dedicated workspace, and I’ve filled it with things to which I have a personal for connection. If you’ve been on a video call with me in the last year, you’ve seen this behind me:
The photos in the top right were taken by my friend Mark. The photos in the bottom left were taken by photographer Matthew Cook on the exceedingly picturesque island of Grand Manan. I took the large photo on a canoe trip down the Nahanni River (zoom in to see our guides taking a look at the next section of the river).
The felt hexagons are intended to absorb sound waves so they don’t bounce off the wall behind me and create echo in my mic. I’m not sure they’re doing much. 🤷♂️
The circular shelving display is the real conversation starter, and I feel the minimal effort I’ve put into it has paid dividends in creating small moments to strengthen relationships. I change the message board periodically, which draws requests for specific types of messages and creates opportunities for people to ask about intentionally odd or slightly cryptic messages. It adds some levity and creates opportunities for connection that I sincerely value as a full-time remote worker.
I’m not going to win any Room Rater awards, but it’s unique and personal and I like it.
The other items on those shelves:
“LEGO Derek,” built at a LEGO store by a colleague and former desk neighbour
a droid with Mickey ears built by my daughter years ago at Disney World
a Camino de Santiago way marker from when my wife and I did a 100km segment
a stone figure in the style of an inunnguaq made from rocks collected on the Nahanni canoe trip
a blue felt whale my daughter made
a Krispy Kreme bus generously gifted to me by @wightman because of my child-like obsession with Krispy Kreme
a recently added Darth Vader that my brother just gave me several years (and two moves!) after he bought it for me
If you’ve curated a video call background (real or virtual!) that you’re proud of, share it in the LinkedIn thread here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/derekhat_i-am-not-a-fan-of-virtual-backgrounds-during-activity-7077624337666621440-CI8t/
- Derek
See also:
https://www.signs.com/zoom-backgrounds/