But much of what our webcam actually picks up is what's behind us. Most of us put a lot of time and effort into our appearance for a Zoom meeting or interview. Zoom backgrounds may give an impression of someone's heritage, disability or socioeconomic status, so interviewers must still make an effort to remain unbiased. However, we know from other research that subconscious bias about race, class and disability can affect how job applicants are viewed. However, the male faces were rated as significantly less competent if in front of a living room, novelty background or blank wall.Īll the faces in the database we used are white, thus avoiding race becoming a confounding factor and allowing us to just focus on the effect of the Zoom backgrounds.

When we looked specifically at faces with neutral expressions, we found no gender difference in ratings of trust or competence when they were seated in front of the plants and bookcase. We also found that smiling faces and females were generally regarded as more trustworthy and competent. A blank or blurred background fell somewhere in the middle. Conversely, a living room or novelty background showed lower ratings. We found that plants or a bookcase in the background significantly increased ratings of trust and competence. We didn't mention the backgrounds, which allowed us to find out whether the same face would be rated differently depending on what was behind them. We then asked 167 people to rate the faces using a seven-point scale on how trustworthy and competent they thought they were. We created still images of men and women with smiling and neutral expressions in front of various backgrounds on a Zoom call. On the positive side, plants that you've kept alive showcase your responsibility and maturity. An unmade bed shows a lack of attention to detail. The messy table behind you may be seen as an indication of your personality and capabilities. On a video call, you have to represent yourself, but also your environment.

We already know that people make snap first impressions based on faces and voices. My colleagues and I recently conducted a study that found the objects in your digital background can affect how people view you. Anyone who judged the bookcases of politicians and celebrities during the early days of lockdown will be familiar with this.

Your home surroundings help show off your personality to the person on the other end of the Zoom call.

Best virtual background for zoom