Over the past two years, we have all had to adjust to seeing and hearing each other strictly through a screen due to the coronavirus pandemic. Zoom has been a great tool throughout the course of the pandemic to keep things in motion. However, what are the costs of viewing ourselves through this technology for such a period?
Zoom dysmorphia is a phenomenon where due to increased inspection of their appearance through Zoom, people seek out cosmetic procedures.
“Authors Shauna Rice, Dr. Emmy Graber and Dr. Arianne Kourosh, who practice in the New England region, noticed a surge in patients who said their appearance on Zoom was the reason they were seeking treatment, and have dubbed the trend “Zoom Dysmorphia”.” (Roanoke Times).
Computer cameras often distort people’s appearances, making what people see on their screens different from what they see in the mirror, causing them to obsess over their appearance on Zoom.
“Being self-conscious differs from the crippling anxiety of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental health condition that’s similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Zoom dysmorphia refers to a type of BDD known as facial dysmorphia. Those who suffer from this condition scrutinize their noses, skin, teeth, ears and other aspects of their faces, fixating on what they think needs to change and avoiding social interactions. Seeing themselves on a computer screen is like looking into a funhouse mirror and believing the distorted image reflects reality.” (Psychology Today).
Your computer can distort features such as your chin, forehead, and eyes.
“Photos and videos taken at a closer distance tend to distort the way people perceive themselves and their facial features. Webcams record at shorter focal lengths, which can make the face appear to have wider set eyes, a broader nose, taller forehead and a rounded chin, according to the article.” (Roanoke Times).
Some signs of Zoom dysmorphia include “anxiety about attending video meetings with your camera on, attempting to look perfect before video calls, focusing on your on-screen appearance and finding flaws, and believing that others are focused on your perceived flaws.” (Psychology Today).Ways to treat Zoom dysmorphia include increasing self-esteem with talk therapy.
“We live in an age when being physically acceptable is often the only way to feel good enough. Zoom dysmorphia highlights the deficits in self-esteem that many people feel. To create changes in self-esteem, we must journey within ourselves, optimally led by an interested guide, such as a therapist, who helps us discover ways to soothe, love, and appreciate ourselves. Healing the past and shifting our thoughts and feelings can transform the way we see ourselves, literally and figuratively.” (Psychology Today).
If you are experiencing symptoms of Zoom dysmorphia, consider reaching out for help and know that you are not alone.
Sources:
Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychoanalysis-unplugged/202106/what-is-zoom-dysmorphia-and-why-does-it-hurt
