When it comes to video calls on platforms like Zoom, the background you choose can impact how others perceive you. A recent study has found that people are more likely to view someone as trustworthy and competent if they have books or plants in their background compared to a living room or a novelty background.
The study, conducted by researchers at Durham University, involved collecting 72 photos of 36 white adults. These photos were then superimposed onto different backgrounds, including a living room, a blurred living room, a bookcase, plants lined up across a cupboard, a blank wall, and a walrus in front of an iceberg. The images were framed to resemble screenshots during a Zoom call.
A total of 167 participants were asked to rank the trustworthiness and competence of the people in the photos on a scale of 1 to 7. The results showed that the individuals in front of a bookcase or plants received the most favorable first impressions, while those in front of a living room or walrus background were viewed less favorably. The blank wall and blurred living room backgrounds fell somewhere in between.
Interestingly, the study also found that women had similar levels of competence and trustworthiness as the men when they had the bookcase or plants backgrounds. However, men with these backgrounds received lower ratings. This discrepancy suggests that more research is needed to understand why men give poorer first impressions in certain settings.
Additionally, the study showed that smiling had a positive impact on how participants perceived trustworthiness and competence. This is likely because a smiling expression conveys self-confidence.
Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering one’s background during video calls. Adding books or plants to your background can create a sense of reliability and competence, making a positive impression on those you interact with.
Source: [PLOS ONE](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264967)
