Introduction
As video conferencing becomes increasingly commonplace in our daily lives, the impression we make during online meetings has become more important than ever. A recent study conducted by researchers at Durham University in the UK found that the background we choose for our Zoom calls can significantly impact others’ perception of our trustworthiness and competence. This article explores the findings of this study and sheds light on why having books or plants in the background gives an air of credibility.
The Significance of Background
During video calls, the majority of our screen is dedicated to our background, making it an essential aspect of our visual presentation. In addition to focusing on our own appearance, we must also consider the environment around us. This realization prompted researchers to investigate how different backgrounds affect people’s first impressions during Zoom calls.
The Study
The researchers collected 72 photos of 36 white adults, evenly divided between men and women, with both neutral and smiling expressions. These photos were then superimposed onto six different backgrounds: 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.
Findings
A total of 167 people were asked to rate the trustworthiness and competence of the individuals in the 72 images on a scale of 1 to 7. The results showed that participants had more favorable impressions of individuals with bookcase or plant backgrounds, while those with living room or walrus backgrounds received less favorable ratings. The blank wall and blurred living room backgrounds fell in between.
The Role of Gender
Interestingly, among the photos featuring an unblurred living room background, women were more likely to be judged as competent as those with plant and bookcase backgrounds. On the other hand, men received poorer first impressions in these settings. The researchers noted that further investigation is needed to understand the underlying reasons for this disparity.
The Power of Smiling
Regardless of gender, participants perceived individuals with smiling expressions as more competent and trustworthy compared to those with neutral expressions. Smiling is often associated with self-confidence, which may explain why it positively influences others’ perception.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the background we choose for our Zoom calls can significantly impact the first impression we make on others. Having books or plants in the background creates an air of credibility and enhances others’ perception of our trustworthiness and competence. Additionally, a smiling expression can further enhance this positive impression. As video conferencing continues to be a prevalent mode of communication, considering our background and facial expression can play a vital role in effectively presenting ourselves in professional settings.
