While video calls were once rare occurrences, they’ve become daily events for many people working from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, researchers have warned that many people are suffering from ‘Zoom dysmorphia’ as a result of looking at themselves in their computer’s front-facing camera.
Dr Shadi Kourosh, a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, has revealed that more than 50 per cent of dermatologists have reported a rise in cosmetic consultations linked to this effect.
Based on the findings, the researchers are urging people who regularly participate in video calls to consider using an external, high-resolution camera and a ring light, which they say will improve how you appear on camera.
Researchers have warned that many people are suffering from ‘Zoom dysmorphia’ as a result of looking at themselves in their computer’s front-facing camera (stock image)
In the study, the researchers looked at the rise in cosmetic consultations amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Kourosh said: ‘Society quickly transitioned to a remote way of working and socialising during the COVID-19 pandemic, communicating largely through video calls during a stressful and isolating time.
‘As reliance on video calls increased, we started seeing the consequences of how prolonged time staring back at yourself significantly impacted our patients in a phenomenon we call Zoom dysmorphia.’
In the study, the researchers surveyed more than 100 dermatologists to determine how remote working has affected patient self-perception.
The results revealed that more than 50 per cent reported a rise in cosmetic consultations, despite being in a pandemic.
‘What was alarming about our research results was that 86% dermatologists surveyed who were fielding these cosmetic concerns reported that their patients referenced video conferencing as the reason for seeking cosmetic consultation,’ Dr Kourosh said.
While video calls were once rare occurrences, they’ve become daily events for many people working from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic
‘The increased time on-camera, coupled with the unflattering effects of front-facing cameras, triggered a concerning and subconscious response unique to the times we’re living in.
‘In addition, many people were also spending more time on social media viewing highly edited photos of others — triggering unhealthy comparisons to their own images on front-facing cameras, which we know is distorted and not a true reflection.’
The researchers also point to previous studies which found that 77 per cent of people join video meetings on laptops or computers, 31 per cent on smartphones and 13 per cent on tablets.
Dr Kourosh added: ‘Unfortunately, this is the lens in which people are viewing themselves today, and it’s not accurate and can eventually become unhealthy.
‘Technology has certainly helped us navigate this pandemic in many ways, but it’s also important to be aware of its limitations and potential to impact how we feel about ourselves.’
Based on the findings, Dr Kourosh has given her top tips to improve your Zoom meetings.
She advises using a high-resolution camera, adjusting your camera’s position or by turning off your video on calls when it is not required.
And if you are concerned about your appearance, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist, according to Dr Kourosh.
