Next time you're on a Zoom call, take a moment to notice where your gaze lands. New research reveals that many people tend to focus on their own image during video calls — and this habit is significantly changing the way they perceive themselves.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that nearly two-thirds (67%) of videoconferencing participants admit to paying more attention to their own image than to the speaker.
According to the study, 88% of users take video calls more than three days a week, and 68% use "touch-up my appearance" filters more than half the time.
The study suggests that widespread use of video calling platforms makes people more conscious of their appearance, driving them to seek cosmetic treatments.
"This phenomenon shares similarities with 'Snapchat dysmorphia,' where people seek surgical changes to replicate their filtered images. This resonates with many people who, through videoconferencing, have started scrutinizing their appearance more closely than ever before, driving an increasing demand for cosmetic procedures," study author Neelam Vashi, Director of the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center, said in a statement.
For the study, researchers conducted a survey of 545 adults in the U.S. who answered questions about how often they used videoconferencing, how frequently they looked at themselves on video calls, and whether they used filters to improve their appearance. They were also asked about their interest in cosmetic procedures. The researchers then analyzed the responses to identify patterns and relationships between videoconferencing behaviors and the desire for cosmetic treatments.
The study found that videoconferencing influenced the desire for cosmetic procedures in 55.9% of participants, and 57.8% were influenced by filter use.
Researchers say the findings could help dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons understand the rise in demand for cosmetic procedures. The desire for treatment may not always stem from dissatisfaction, but rather from constant exposure to digital images.
The findings also suggest that the increased focus on appearance due to videoconferencing could exacerbate body image issues or disorders, like body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
"In the future, this could lead to more interventions focusing on psychological well-being alongside cosmetic treatments and may impact how BDD is diagnosed or treated, especially in cases where patients are preoccupied with facial features highlighted during video calls," Vashi said.