A new study from Durham University in the UK has revealed which backgrounds will make you appear more reliable on video calls.
Recently published in the journal PLOS One, research found that having a background that includes either plants or a bookcase were rated as the most competent and trustworthy.
The study examined the effects of video backgrounds, facial expressions and gender on first impressions for competence and trustworthiness within a video call context.
The research team used 72 photos of 36 adults, each pictured with both a happy and a neutral facial expression. Each adult was then placed against one of six virtual backgrounds: a normal living room, blurred living room, a bookcase, with plants, a blank wall and a novelty background – the study used a walrus in front of an iceberg, in this case.
Each photo was also framed with a Zoom border to completely simulate the experience of a typical video call. The study then had 167 participants, between ages 19 and 68, complete an online questionnaire about how trustworthy and competent they felt the people in each image appeared to be.
Overwhelmingly, the individuals who were in front of backgrounds with plants and bookcase were consistently rated higher than those against those with home and novelty backgrounds.
Paddy Ross, the research lead and associate professor of psychology at Durham University, told CNN that a carefully selected video call background “seems to be the new business suit".
Ross also added that he was also “surprised with how robust” the responses of the participants were to the photos.
“We tested over 160 people and we found that the background of plants and bookcases led to higher trust and competency responses. And we found that the living room and novelty backgrounds were the worst,” he said.
“It’s like you haven’t put any thought into how you are presenting yourself and so this seems less competent than someone ... who seems able to keep plants alive, or someone with a bookcase who looks like they are trying to better themselves.”
The study also found that aside from virtual backgrounds, an individual’s demeanour during a video call also makes a strong first impression.
Happy, smiling faces were perceived as more competent and trustworthy than neutral faces regardless of the backdrop used and females were judged as more trustworthy, while males were viewed as more competent.
The team behind the study plan to do further research through simulated video calls and plan to ask participants about other insights they have beyond first impressions.
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Canvassed, Par Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m
Winner Dubai Future, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mouheeb, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
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Winner Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
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Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
9.25pm Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Man Of Promise, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
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Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
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Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
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Monday Feb 25, 1pm, v Kuwait
Tuesday Feb 26, 9.30am, v Saudi
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5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
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COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
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