Body “Zoom” Dysmorphia – The Impact Zoom Has on Body Image
Video chatting has become part of the world’s new normal. Although video conferencing has changed how everyone has operated during the pandemic, it could be detrimental to someone’s mental health if they are constantly on camera. Just as there are people who struggle with body image or suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, people are now experiencing “Zoom Dysmorphia”.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
It is not uncommon to look in the mirror before leaving the house, but it can become problematic when someone becomes overly concerned about a physical flaw. If these negative thoughts become extreme, someone may develop Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which is a mental health condition that affects 1 in 50 people. Someone with BDD is so anxious about a physical characteristic that they spend hours thinking about it, often letting it interfere with their daily life. Some people with BDD even consider having plastic surgery to improve their appearance.
Although not everyone with BDD has an eating disorder, the two may overlap with negative body image symptoms. The contributing factors to BDD or an eating disorder are often similar and include having low self-esteem, being a perfectionist, being bullied, or having a critical family. However, someone with BDD typically focuses on different areas of their body, such as their skin, hair, nose, muscles, or veins, rather than their overall body size. Because those with BDD tend to be embarrassed about these perceived “imperfections” or “flaws,” they may avoid social situations and feel anxious around others.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, video chatting platforms, like Zoom, are part of the new normal for how people interact. Whether it is for school, work, birthdays, holidays, or medical appointments, people are spending more time online, and video conferencing, while convenient, had made people self-conscious. Indeed, studies have shown that 53% of adults and 58% of those under 18 reported that the pandemic lockdown made them feel worse about their appearance. Staring at the camera for hours has affected people’s body image more than it did a year ago. This has led to the new term “Zoom Dysmorphia,” which is comparable to BDD. Those with BDD try not to obsess over the mirror, but when on Zoom, cameras cannot usually be turned off, so for someone with BDD or Zoom Dysmorphia, it is like looking in a mirror all of the time.
Although a person with BDD notices imperfections in themselves that others do not, many believe their body image with Zoom is more intense. People may experience more anxiety video chatting than they would in person if the part of their body they are self-conscious about is seen and visible. In addition, people on Zoom calls often believe everyone on the Zoom call is staring at them, especially when they are speaking.
Because Zoom calls only show group members’ faces, this can lead to more self-comparison than may occur in person. Although Zoom calls are in real-time, people may choose to turn on filters (provided by Zoom) to touch up their appearance, have virtual backgrounds, or have other effects. These filters can make people look differently online than they do and worsen the way people view themselves. According to the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, dermatologists have found that 86% of their clients have indicated that video chatting is why they focus on their appearance and 40% want to change a physical attribute because they do not like how they look on camera. People see the slightest blemishes through the camera, which they may not have noticed before the pandemic.
Although Zoom and video chatting are now part of the new normal, there are ways to manage the stress and anxiety people feel on camera. In addition to speaking with a therapist or attending a support group, there are other ways to combat Body or Zoom Dysmorphia. For example, recognize a specific purpose for a Zoom call, so understand that people are focusing on the meeting and not on people’s appearance. Remember that not all cameras accurately portray what you look like. If practical, suggest a phone call instead of a video call.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people communicate. Everyone should be mindful that there are people who struggle with BDD or Zoom Dysmorphia and do what they can to ensure that those with these disorders feel more comfortable and less anxious on camera.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues.
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This post was written by BALANCE Marketing Assistant, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!