Could this be a generation thing? My dad used to be bewildered at my listening to music while I would do homewok when I was younger.

With Discord and Streaming being a big thing maybe you could build up a certain mind set where having a background narration helps?

I'm totally speculating, as YouTube videos completely wreck my focus. Though I drive while listening to them, or with podcasts.

I often make decisions on background noise with regard to verbal/nonverbal tasks, needing a rhythm, or needing to block out some other distractions.

Try instrumental music when you have verbal/intellectual needs. A good Latin dance channel helps me get in a rhythm for physical housework and stuff. If others are bickering around me, time for earphones or some encouraging spoken-word.

Sounds like talk radio could work for you too.

This makes me wonder if you would do well working in an internet cafe, or even an open office.