October 2023 PMID 37756284

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence.

Abi Cook, Meg Thompson, Paddy Ross

Mentions

230
Peak: 37 in Sep 2023
across 7 sources since Sep 2023

Extended reach

1,063,540
potential audience

Total likes

508

Video views

2,846

Mentions per month

Sep 2023 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News130 articles
  • X / Twitter79 posts
  • Blogs12 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook3 posts
  • Reddit2 posts
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Many discussions stress the importance of background choices, with users noting how backgrounds with books and plants can enhance perceptions of competence and trustworthiness. Phrases like 'Pro Tip: Want to boost your Zoom credibility?' and 'wish I had this analysis 2 years ago' convey both practical advice and a sense of urgency, emphasizing the article's impact on virtual interactions and personal branding.

AgreementStrong agreement

The discussions overwhelmingly support the findings of the study, with many participants expressing consistent agreement about the importance of background choice.

InterestHigh interest

Users show high levels of curiosity in relation to how backgrounds affect impressions, reflecting widespread relevance in today's digital communication.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many discussions dive deeper into the implications of the research, such as practical tips for improving virtual appearances and referencing specific aspects of the study.

ImpactHigh impact

Numerous posts suggest a belief that the findings could significantly influence how individuals approach their virtual presence.

Abstract in brief

  • This study examines how video backgrounds in Zoom calls affect people's perceptions of trust and competence.
  • It found that backgrounds featuring plants and books were rated as more trustworthy and competent than home or novelty backgrounds.
  • Additionally, happy facial expressions and female presenters were perceived as more trustworthy and competent, regardless of the video background used.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Masoud Zamani
@Masoud_Zamani · X

مطالعه جدیدی نشان می‌دهد که اگر شما هنگام تماسها و جلسات ویدیویی، در پس‌زمینه خودتان کتاب بگذارید، برداشت اولیه از شما فردی قابل‌اعتماد‌ و شایسته و در کل کاردرست‌تر خواهد بود. عوامل مهم دیگر برای تشدید این ذهنیت، وجود گیاه، بشاش بودن و «خانم» بودن است. https://t.co/SITnrVyGJJ https://t.co/s1xaGr4PJP

Oct 9, 2023 · 258 likes · 9 shares · 16,715 followers View post →
Eric Topol
@EricTopol · X

How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 91 likes · 19 shares · 678,611 followers View post →
Paddy Ross
@PaddyRoss1 · X

Sep 28, 2023 · 33 likes · 11 shares · 508 followers View post →
Alvin
@alvie_barr · X

How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co8VCd1wcQ @PaddyRoss1 https://t.co/HXCLyu7Za8

Jan 25, 2024 · 19 likes · 13 shares · 16,851 followers View post →
ゆきまさかずよし
@Kyukimasa · X

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/qqGAYxTsij セイウチが寝てるのはダメみたいだ https://t.co/a8K3aQFRen

Sep 28, 2023 · 14 likes · 4 shares · 20,440 followers View post →
Batya Cohen, PhD
@BatyaCohen1 · X

1/2 מעניין שימושי לפגישת הזום הבאה שלכם. מחקר בדק את הרושם הוירטואלי הראשוני ומצא שרקע הזום משפיע על שיפוט של אמון וכשירות. רקע צמחים וספרים עם ציון גבוה בשני הממדים בעוד הרקע הביתי קיבלו בעקביות את הדירוגים הנמוכים ביותר. https://t.co/g898ZQ2igU https://t.co/npTXz6gKl9

Sep 28, 2023 · 5 likes · 5,059 followers View post →

All mentions

memovocab
@memovocab · X

2/2 https://t.co/WtfI3lA5pg

Oct 28, 2024 · 2 likes · 847 followers View post →
TLF Research
@TLFResearch · X

TLF Gems: Virtual First Impressions. Interesting article on the impact of video backgrounds (amongst other things) on perceived trustworthiness and competence. https://t.co/ZQUZ5GXVOA

Mar 12, 2024 · 3,354 followers View post →
Икебана смыслов
@atticus_flinch · X

RT @metkere: Plants and books in the background of Zoom calls make you look more competent, according to a new study. https://t.co/GfRWOza…

Feb 1, 2024 · 1 share · 10,549 followers View post →
Elia Kabanov
@metkere · X

Plants and books in the background of Zoom calls make you look more competent, according to a new study. https://t.co/GfRWOzauS6 https://t.co/rkDvCjW1Er

Feb 1, 2024 · 4 likes · 1 share · 3,972 followers View post →
Blossom Fernandes
@DrBFernandes · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Jan 31, 2024 · 11 shares · 606 followers View post →
Y a s m i n e B u r a i k
@burayw0a · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 26, 2024 · 13 shares · 7,090 followers View post →
Sean Erreger, LCSW
@StuckonSW · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 26, 2024 · 13 shares · 10,717 followers View post →
Alvin
@alvie_barr · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 16,851 followers View post →
Travis Morrell, MD MPH
@MorrellMDmph · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 4,766 followers View post →
Teresa Hartman
@thartman2u · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 3,482 followers View post →
Dr. Andrea Adler (She/Her)
@AndreaAdlerPhD · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 729 followers View post →
Paddy Ross
@PaddyRoss1 · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 508 followers View post →
Zheala Qayyum MD, MMSc
@ZhealaQayyum · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 3,182 followers View post →
Zeina Moukarzel, MD,MPH,MHA
@lamsalebanon1 · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 2,980 followers View post →
Charles Kwaku-Odoi DL MFPH
@charleskod · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 3,811 followers View post →
Dr Nagina Khan
@DrKhan_do · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 6,267 followers View post →
Riya Sawhney
@RiyaSawhney_ · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 782 followers View post →
Dr. Beth S. Linas(she/her)
@bethlinas · X

RT @alvie_barr: How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co…

Jan 25, 2024 · 13 shares · 12,638 followers View post →
Alvin
@alvie_barr · X

How your Zoom background affects judgements of trust and competence — wish I had this analysis 2 years ago https://t.co/co8VCd1wcQ @PaddyRoss1 https://t.co/HXCLyu7Za8

Jan 25, 2024 · 19 likes · 13 shares · 16,851 followers View post →
Alexis R. | METODOLOGICA_CL
@metodologica_cl · X

Fuente: https://t.co/eVJjwxZvqd https://t.co/NkljPrxoFu

Jan 11, 2024 · 3,805 followers View post →
Dan Smith
@AttentionLab · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Jan 8, 2024 · 11 shares · 1,751 followers View post →
Amy Pearson
@DrAmyPearson · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Jan 8, 2024 · 11 shares · 7,606 followers View post →
Durham Psychology
@DurhamPsych · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Jan 8, 2024 · 11 shares · 3,680 followers View post →
RPQ48
@RPQ48 · X

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence | @scoopit via @kiwirip https://t.co/MWMbEKCzpt

Jan 5, 2024 · 265 followers View post →
Peter Mellow
@kiwirip · X

Virtual first impressions: #Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of #trust and #competence. Books and/or plants seem to be the winner!

Jan 3, 2024 · 1 like · 1,504 followers View post →
mihai martoiu ticu @martoiu@mastodon.social
@martoiu · X

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence. There is no free will. https://t.co/6uuCKIvrjS https://t.co/WxhhU6ZY1j

Nov 15, 2023 · 2,617 followers View post →
Shinji Izuka
@IzukaShinji · X

RT @DrAiLynTan: What is your #Zoom #Teams background say about you? If you want to appear trustworthy & competent ➡️Look happy and have pl…

Oct 24, 2023 · 2 shares · 900 followers View post →
Dr Ai Lyn Tan
@DrAiLynTan · X

RT @DrAiLynTan: What is your #Zoom #Teams background say about you? If you want to appear trustworthy & competent ➡️Look happy and have pl…

Oct 24, 2023 · 2 shares · 7,143 followers View post →
Salil Sharma
@salilssharma · X

Pro Tip: Want to boost your Zoom credibility? Ditch the messy room and surround yourself with plants and books. A genuine smile doesn't hurt either! #ZoomTips #BackgroundCheck #SmileForSuccess https://t.co/AVo4EWfFI4

Oct 23, 2023 · 20 followers View post →
Alan Gillies
@AlanGilliesNES · X

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/qQTBh0CneF

Oct 19, 2023 · 238 followers View post →
DurhamResearchOnline
@DROdurham · X

Oct 18, 2023 · 2 likes · 2,091 followers View post →
Miguel Ángel Sogorb
@MASogorb · X

¿Es competente y fiable esta persona desconocida? El fondo de la foto influirá en nuestra opinión https://t.co/klGtZ7yMH1 Más información: Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/5w8ULwzjax

Oct 14, 2023 · 158 followers View post →
D-CHAB
@ETH_DCHAB · X

RT @ICBPETH: In video calls, the #videobackground affects trustworthy and competence perceptions. Plant and book backgrounds score high on…

Oct 12, 2023 · 1 share · 3,121 followers View post →
Infozentrum
@ICBPETH · X

In video calls, the #videobackground affects trustworthy and competence perceptions. Plant and book backgrounds score high on both dimensions (as well as happy faces) while home and novelty backgrounds consistently receive the lowest ratings. More #PLoS1: https://t.co/I08Y7ibmEt https://t.co/ewyxL0a15N

Oct 12, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 241 followers View post →
Puria
@PuriaKv · X

RT @Masoud_Zamani: مطالعه جدیدی نشان می‌دهد که اگر شما هنگام تماسها و جلسات ویدیویی، در پس‌زمینه خودتان کتاب بگذارید، برداشت اولیه از شما ف…

Oct 9, 2023 · 9 shares · 9 followers View post →
کتابفروشی ری‌را
@rirabook · X

RT @Masoud_Zamani: مطالعه جدیدی نشان می‌دهد که اگر شما هنگام تماسها و جلسات ویدیویی، در پس‌زمینه خودتان کتاب بگذارید، برداشت اولیه از شما ف…

Oct 9, 2023 · 9 shares · 126 followers View post →
Saeed r
@Saeedrynz · X

RT @Masoud_Zamani: مطالعه جدیدی نشان می‌دهد که اگر شما هنگام تماسها و جلسات ویدیویی، در پس‌زمینه خودتان کتاب بگذارید، برداشت اولیه از شما ف…

Oct 9, 2023 · 9 shares · 116 followers View post →
Hoora
@opiums · X

RT @Masoud_Zamani: مطالعه جدیدی نشان می‌دهد که اگر شما هنگام تماسها و جلسات ویدیویی، در پس‌زمینه خودتان کتاب بگذارید، برداشت اولیه از شما ف…

Oct 9, 2023 · 9 shares · 25,028 followers View post →
Masoud Zamani
@Masoud_Zamani · X

مطالعه جدیدی نشان می‌دهد که اگر شما هنگام تماسها و جلسات ویدیویی، در پس‌زمینه خودتان کتاب بگذارید، برداشت اولیه از شما فردی قابل‌اعتماد‌ و شایسته و در کل کاردرست‌تر خواهد بود. عوامل مهم دیگر برای تشدید این ذهنیت، وجود گیاه، بشاش بودن و «خانم» بودن است. https://t.co/SITnrVyGJJ https://t.co/s1xaGr4PJP

Oct 9, 2023 · 258 likes · 9 shares · 16,715 followers View post →
proto.life
@protolifemedia · X

Happy faces were perceived as more trustworthy and competent than neutral faces, and women were rated as more trustworthy regardless of the background they were using.

Oct 5, 2023 · 4,818 followers View post →
理学療法士_海津陽一 Ph.D.
@copellist · X

■ Ref info: Cook, Abi, Meg Thompson, and Paddy Ross. "Virtual First Impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence." (2023). PLos One ■ Ref link: https://t.co/Y0KL2xS79s ■ Forbes(

Oct 2, 2023 · 3 likes · 10,558 followers View post →
Paddy Ross
@PaddyRoss1 · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Oct 2, 2023 · 19 shares · 508 followers View post →
Vinish Garg
@vingar · X

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/oZ9ke6v3xW

Oct 2, 2023 · 2,477 followers View post →
˗ˏˋ BeautyBubble ˎˊ˗
@BeautyBubble · X

What makes you ZOOM? • home & novelty backgrounds (lower trustworthiness & competence) • plants & bookcase (most trustworthy and most competent) The study: https://t.co/0W8sNqioey

Sep 29, 2023 · 12,934 followers View post →
Dr Karri Gillespie-Smith
@Karri_G_Smith · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Sep 29, 2023 · 11 shares · 1,273 followers View post →
David Carrasco
@davidcarrascop · X

Estudio: https://t.co/LSNihjABVh

Sep 29, 2023 · 1,655 followers View post →
Dr. Rebecca Hirst
@HirstRj · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Sep 29, 2023 · 11 shares · 2,687 followers View post →
Beachwood Reporter
@BeachwoodReport · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Sep 28, 2023 · 11 shares · 3,763 followers View post →
Dr Natalie Butcher
@Dr_N_Butcher · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Sep 28, 2023 · 11 shares · 1,358 followers View post →
Kay Ritchie
@kayritchiepsych · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Sep 28, 2023 · 11 shares · 1,727 followers View post →
Bertrand Neveux
@NeveuxBertrand · X

Sep 28, 2023 · 233 followers View post →
:ばべる19
@Bab_eL_19 · X

RT @Kyukimasa: Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/qqGAYxTsij セイウチが寝てるのはダメみた…

Sep 28, 2023 · 4 shares · 73 followers View post →
Lucia Ruggiero EALR
@luciaruggiero · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 28, 2023 · 19 shares · 1,029 followers View post →
Culture of Health Eq
@CofHEQ · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 28, 2023 · 19 shares · 1,094 followers View post →
Equity & Health
@equitylist · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 28, 2023 · 19 shares · 28,899 followers View post →
cagsei
@cagsei · X

Yeni çalışma, arka plan görüntüsü seçiminin güvenilirlik ve yetkinlik yargılarını etkileyebileceğini öne sürmüş. https://t.co/sZk2TR0bNj https://t.co/T3aDKA5iDj

Sep 28, 2023 · 57 followers View post →
SF
@SofiaVi185 · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 28, 2023 · 19 shares · 393 followers View post →
Conor
@ConorXT · X

RT @PaddyRoss1:

Sep 28, 2023 · 11 shares · 112 followers View post →
マドカリ
@madcari · X

RT @Kyukimasa: Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/qqGAYxTsij セイウチが寝てるのはダメみた…

Sep 28, 2023 · 4 shares · 470 followers View post →
まりす@maris annの中の人
@maris_HY · X

RT @Kyukimasa: Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/qqGAYxTsij セイウチが寝てるのはダメみた…

Sep 28, 2023 · 4 shares · 3,268 followers View post →
ゆきまさかずよし
@Kyukimasa · X

Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence https://t.co/qqGAYxTsij セイウチが寝てるのはダメみたいだ https://t.co/a8K3aQFRen

Sep 28, 2023 · 14 likes · 4 shares · 20,440 followers View post →
ClickTell Consulting
@ClickTell · X

Bookshelves or plants make the best impression in an online meeting. #Evidencebased https://t.co/0i9GSDM6Em

Sep 28, 2023 · 239 followers View post →
Batya Cohen, PhD
@BatyaCohen1 · X

1/2 מעניין שימושי לפגישת הזום הבאה שלכם. מחקר בדק את הרושם הוירטואלי הראשוני ומצא שרקע הזום משפיע על שיפוט של אמון וכשירות. רקע צמחים וספרים עם ציון גבוה בשני הממדים בעוד הרקע הביתי קיבלו בעקביות את הדירוגים הנמוכים ביותר. https://t.co/g898ZQ2igU https://t.co/npTXz6gKl9

Sep 28, 2023 · 5 likes · 5,059 followers View post →
Dr Ai Lyn Tan
@DrAiLynTan · X

What is your #Zoom #Teams background say about you? If you want to appear trustworthy & competent ➡️Look happy and have plants or books behind you ➡️Avoid 'home' & novelty backgrounds!

Sep 28, 2023 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 7,143 followers View post →
Paddy Ross
@PaddyRoss1 · X

Sep 28, 2023 · 33 likes · 11 shares · 508 followers View post →
Stilgherrian
@stilgherrian · X

“Is your Zoom background affecting your image?” https://t.co/nsbpi78McI Paper: “Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence” https://t.co/bF2Dc1ubHO

Sep 28, 2023 · 19,231 followers View post →
Stilgherrian
@stilgherrian.com · Bluesky

“Is your Zoom background affecting your image?” www.scimex.org/newsfeed/is-... Paper: “Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence” journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...

Sep 28, 2023 · 2 shares View post →
Diane Dewhirst
@NJdoc · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 20,641 followers View post →
Nick_Zen
@Nick_Zen · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 1,763 followers View post →
Eldon Edwards
@eldonredwards · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 2,615 followers View post →
EightyEight88
@EEight88 · X

A new study finds that having books or plants in your Zoom background makes you seem more trustworthy and competent. SOURCE: "Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence" https://t.co/QQ4Jr91R64

Sep 27, 2023 · 1 like · 1 followers View post →
Shmarya Rosenberg
@Shmarya · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 3,785 followers View post →
R.
@C0smpol1tan · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 144 followers View post →
Global Health Observ
@GlobalPHObserv · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 6,540 followers View post →
Nancy J. Smyth, PhD, LCSW
@njsmyth · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 7,157 followers View post →
Ves Dimov, M.D.
@DrVes · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 13,944 followers View post →
Wimen
@1a31551c566e43d · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 663 followers View post →
M de Mendoza
@MikerMendoza · X

RT @EricTopol: How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 19 shares · 122 followers View post →
Eric Topol
@EricTopol · X

How to promote trust and competence in virtual communication? Your @zoom background!

Sep 27, 2023 · 91 likes · 19 shares · 678,611 followers View post →
Chris Hendel
@chrishendel · X

And in other "news" today...

Sep 27, 2023 · 4,228 followers View post →