To better showcase yourself and appear more credible while interacting in video meetings, be sure to have plants or books strategically placed behind you.
Researchers from Durham University in the United Kingdom conducted a study to see how the way we interact online affects the first impressions and judgments we form.
The team used 72 photos of 36 adults. The six backgrounds selected for the study were categorized as: house (living room), cloudy house, bookshelf, plants, blank wall and novelty – in the latter case, a seal in front of an iceberg.
Faces presented against a background of plants and bookshelves were consistently rated as the most believable.
Another important factor, however, was the person's behavior. People who smiled seemed more confident and prepared, regardless of the background.
