What your Zoom background says about you

Wonder what to do about your Zoom backgrounds so you seem trustworthy? Read Lianne Kolirin’s article on CNN (2023, “The Zoom Backgrounds That Make You Look More – or Less – Trustworthy, According to Experts,” https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/28/world/zoom-background-trustworthy-scli-intl-scn-wellness/index.html) to find out.

Kolirin reports on research done by Cook, Thompson, and Ross which found that “To inspire the most trust [and feelings that you are competent] in those you interact with during video meetings, ensure you have plants or books strategically positioned behind you.”  Home and novelty backgrounds lead to lower trustworthiness and competence ratings. Regardless of background seen, people who were smiling (compared to those with a neutral expression) in the pictures shown to study participants seemed more trustworthy and competent.

Go to the linked article for pictures of the sorts of backgrounds tested.

The positive implications of the plant background might be tied to biophilic design principles (discussed in detail here) and the bookshelf background might send desirable nonverbal messages to views (design and nonverbal messages is covered here).