Zoom backgrounds: what is it really about?

Teo Teocoli interpreting Felice Caccamo - Napolitoday.it

Have you ever experienced being in a zoom call and seeing a made up background? It can be a coloured screen with a logo on it, a beautiful landscape, any image really. How did you feel about it?  My first reaction was amusement. Of course, since it would have not been well perceived, I did my best to hold my laughter. My second reaction was annoyance. Can you understand why?

Teehee! (embarrassed and/or coy laugh)

The reason why it made me laugh in the first place can be traced to an Italian comedian Teo Teocoli making an impression of a journalist Felice Caccamo. He was playing with a green screen and I suppose a green tie, because you could see the background of Naple city through it.

Uggh (exclamation expressing frustration or annoyance)

The reason why it annoyed me is that it was distracting. It felt out of place and fake. It made me wonder instead of focusing on the conversation. It created a distance in the relationship like we were not on the same level. I perceived it as a way to hide and avoid being completely honest and forthcoming too.

Hmm (interjection used to indicate that one is thinking, feeling, introspecting)

I know, I know, there are perfectly understandable reasons why someone would make this choice. First of all, not all people think of the consequences of their actions. Sometimes they do it because they feel like doing it.  More often people may opt for a background for a matter of privacy: they are calling from their bedroom - when they don’t have other option - or from the toilet for all that I know. Other times they may think their setting is distracting or unprofessional. Finally others may want to make a joke or lighten up the mood in an informal conversation.

Uh-oh (interjection used to indicate dismay or concern)

Whatever their reason might be, I think that showing your real environment is always the best option. I normally check on video what I can see behind me and remove all the items I don't want other people to see, especially in a job interview or in a formal conversation.  For example, one day, just a few minutes before a zoom call with my interviewer, I noticed I could see my vacuum cleaner behind my back and a cardboard box with an image of a sandbox. On one hand it's cool, they may think I know how to entertain kids and take care of my home. All aspects that can be helpful in the workplace. However, since I want to assume the role of a woman ready to get back to her career, these items surely don't help suggesting (even remotely) this idea. And that’s something to keep in mind.

I believe that everything from your background, to your look and what you say contributes to convey the message you want. So why not pay attention to all these aspects and go beyond the surface?