Scientist and environmental engineer Gretchen Goldman PhD revealed in a searingly honest tweet what her work from home set up looked like behind the scenes.
The science expert and mum had dialled in for a live CNN interview in the States, where her video showed nothing but a professional looking Gretchen in a smart shirt and an immaculate room.
But she posted a hilarious photograph comparison that showed she was actually only wearing pants on her bottom half, and the floor was strewn with children's toys.
She had been called on to the news network to discuss President Trump's appointment of a "climate-science denier" to a top position at a US weather and climate agency.
Gretchen, who is the research director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, was applauded by her followers for showcasing such an honest insight into the working from home reality for many parents.
Posting a side by side comparison from her interview angle and what she looked like from the other side of the room, Gretchen wrote: "Just so I'm being honest. #SciMomJourneys ".
One follower replied: "This unfiltered glimpse into your reality is so important for the mental health of working moms in a pandemic.
"If they only see the left image it can be very disheartening.
"The right image allows them to have a knowing laugh and cut themselves some slack."
Another agreed: "Yes! I just felt a little better just from seeing this pic! Thank you for the honesty!"
A third added: "Love this. You are all of us, except that I'm surrounded by knitting and dog toys these days."
Gretchen also inspired several others to post light-hearted comparisons of their appearance on a professional call as opposed to the messy room they were hiding.
