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Millions of people rely on Zoom for communication, with around 300 million users joining video meetings every single day. Additionally, three million people engage on Google Meet, while 145 million utilize Microsoft Teams. Other platforms like Skype, Slack, FaceTime, and WebEx attract millions of users as well.
For many, virtual meetings have been a lifeline, especially for those like me who connect with therapists and psychiatrists online. However, the constant exposure to our own image during these calls can have unintended consequences on mental well-being.
Becky Thompson, a 27-year-old operations manager from Seattle, shared her experience with The Guardian: “My appearance took a toll, and the more I struggled, the more I fixated on my image on the screen. Zoom has made me want to hide, yet that feels incredibly isolating. I’m uncertain about how to overcome this,” she said.
Becky’s situation is echoed by a recent study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, which found that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) cases have surged during the pandemic, largely due to social media and video conferencing. The study points out that increased screen time has led to negative self-perception, particularly among younger women.
The term “Zoom dysmorphia” has emerged to describe an unofficial mental health condition where individuals perceive a distorted version of themselves—leading to distress. As Psychology Today explains, this form of BDD focuses on facial features, causing individuals to obsess over their appearance and shy away from social interactions. Being on camera intensifies these feelings, creating a distorted view of reality.
The clinical team at The Renfrew Center highlights that prolonged exposure to one’s own image on video calls has resulted in heightened self-consciousness and body dissatisfaction. This pressure to alter one’s appearance may lead to unhealthy behaviors, including disordered eating or the pursuit of cosmetic procedures, often referred to as Zoom dysmorphia.
While dysmorphic disorders are not new, the rise of Zoom-induced dysmorphia has brought these issues to the forefront. Individuals suffering from BDD often experience shame and embarrassment about their perceived flaws, leading them to go to extreme lengths to change their appearance.
Reflecting on my own BDD journey, I remember the years spent obsessively controlling my diet and exercise, only to remain unsatisfied with my appearance. Fortunately, I managed to heal and move beyond those struggles, but those grappling with Zoom dysmorphia face unique challenges, particularly if video calls are essential for their work.
Another individual, Alex, a 28-year-old data analyst from Vancouver, noted that his intrusive thoughts escalated during the pandemic. “I found myself constantly checking mirrors to validate my perceived flaws. On Microsoft Teams, I was ‘mirror checking’ all day,” he recounted. Ultimately, Alex opted for cosmetic surgery but eventually found that his dysmorphia persisted.
For those struggling with these feelings, there are strategies to manage symptoms effectively. Samantha DeCaro, assistant clinical director at The Renfrew Center, suggests altering Zoom settings to hide your own image. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial, helping individuals understand how their thoughts contribute to their distress. Exposure therapy, guided by a qualified therapist, can gradually reduce the power of perceived flaws.
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Summary:
Zoom dysmorphia is an unofficial mental health condition stemming from excessive self-scrutiny during video calls, primarily affecting women. As social media and videoconferencing have surged during the pandemic, many individuals, especially younger women, report worsened body image perceptions. Symptoms include increased self-consciousness and a desire for cosmetic changes, often leading to anxiety and isolation. Strategies such as adjusting video settings and seeking therapy can provide relief.