Video-mediated interaction reduces cultural differences in conversational backchanneling

Backchanneling is a core interactional practice through which listeners display attention, engagement, and affiliation during a conversation. While backchannels are used among most language communities, prior research suggests systematic variation across language groups in frequency, type and timing of these actions. However, following the rapid expansion of video-mediated interaction, it has become evident that video-calling constricts provision of well-timed listener feedback. It is therefore increasingly important to understand how sociocultural differences in backchanneling are reshaped under such technological constraints. In the present study, we examined backchanneling behavior during first encounters among 154 Finnish-speaking and Swedish-speaking Finns, representing relatively low- and high-engagement cultures, respectively. Dyads were randomly assigned to either face-to-face or video-call. We analyzed multiple forms of backchanneling (lexical and non-lexical vocal responses, and nods) to capture their distinct interactional functions and modality-specific affordances. Consistent with prior work, Swedish speakers exhibited higher rates of backchanneling than Finnish speakers in face-to-face interaction. However, these sociocultural differences were substantially reduced during video-calling. Especially non-lexical backchannels and nodding showed clear language-related differences in face-to-face settings that attenuated in video calls. Time-course analyses further revealed that the technologically contingent sociocultural differences in backchanneling were relatively stable across conversation, especially when it comes to nodding. Together, the findings suggest that video-calling constrains interactional timing and multimodal signaling in ways that reduce sociocultural variability in backchanneling. This suggests that the expansion of video-calling may place high- and low-engagement cultures in unequal positions, disproportionately constraining the more expansive backchanneling practices characteristic of high-engagement interaction style.