I'm slowly learning what actually matters at my job

it's what is perceived not what is. video is obvious no. they think that the work was in the background. if you'd somehow did nothing while they thought you did it all - you'd have a good time

Sounds about right. Ranks right up there with conducting a few minutes of personal business in your cube vs taking multiple 10-15 minute smoke breaks every day. Why is one acceptable but the other is not?