Since the start of the pandemic, video calls have become a near-daily routine for many Americans. And while the content of the meeting likely takes center stage, there are other elements to consider–like the background of the call. 

As the data show, 63% of U.S. adults believe the background of a work video call is at least somewhat important, and 56% think at least a little about what’s going on in the background of these calls.

When it comes to age, background matters most to adults aged 18 to 24. It’s also more important to women than to men. 

Video call backgrounds are also more likely to be a matter of importance to those who are very or somewhat unhappy in their current job.

Of course, video call backgrounds aren’t just fun and games–they may also be a matter of privacy. As it stands, 57% of U.S. adults are at least somewhat concerned about privacy and 38% of U.S. adults use the blur background feature at least somewhat often. 

As a result, it’s no surprise that those who are most concerned about privacy use the blur background feature the most often. 

So while Zoom and other video call backgrounds may be simply aesthetics for some, they may also be one way to create a sense of privacy and a line between work life and home life for others. Â