"Choosing the Right Zoom Background: Boosting Trustworthiness and Competence"

A study conducted by researchers from Durham University in the UK found that the choice of Zoom background can impact how trustworthy and competent a person appears during video meetings. The study used 72 photos of adults with different backgrounds and asked participants to rate their trustworthiness and competence. Backgrounds with plants and bookcases were consistently rated as the most trustworthy and competent, while living room and novelty backgrounds received lower ratings. Smiling also increased perceived trustworthiness and competence. The researchers plan to conduct further research using actual video calls to explore the impact on hiring decisions.