Gain insight into the impact of Zoom Dysmorphia on self-image and learn effective strategies for understanding and overcoming this phenomenon. Learn how to navigate the challenges of virtual meetings and embrace self-acceptance in the digital age.
Let’s have a conversation about something you might not have heard of – but is becoming more of a problem in our digital age.
It’s called Zoom Dysmorphia. No, it’s not a new feature on your video conferencing app. It’s an unexpected side-effect of our current, virtual-everything lifestyle.
Zoom Dysmorphia is when you become extra aware of how you look – because of the increase in screen time on Zoom – coupled with the distortion created by front-facing cameras and bad lighting – all of which often don’t capture us at our best.
If you’re someone who has been known to struggle with body image and self esteem, Zoom can trigger these challenges.
You can become extra fixated on your appearance during every video call, nitpicking perceived flaws and feeling less than your fabulous self.
But no worries! Coming up, I will delve into the concept of Zoom Dysmorphia and unravel why it stings our self-esteem.
Plus most importantly, I will share empowering ways to overcome Zoom’s harmful effects on your self esteem around your appearance.
(Note: Throughout this article – and down below – you will see a range of image quote posters with the quote: “I’m not beautiful like you. I’m beautiful like me.” I created these quote image posters because I’m passionate about helping women to feel more confident in their skin – and to embrace who they uniquely are.)
I felt compelled to explore this topic of Zoom Dysmorphia because I’m someone deeply familiar with the problems of body dysmorphia.
I’m a bestselling wellness author, recovered binge eater and and founder of the therapist recommended Stop Emotional Eating Course.
I personally understand how body dysmorphia can lead to emotional eating – and other eating disorders – because it did that for me – in my own life – for far too many years.
And so I personally understand the many vulnerabilities people might struggle with when they see themselves on Zoom.
In fact, I started noticing my own personal discomfort when seeing my own image staring back at me on the screen. It felt like a fresh type of body dysmorphia. I’d be in a Zoom meeting, and suddenly notice a tiny flaw on my face. Or I’d think I saw the beginnings of a double chin. I’d try to ignore it and focus on the meeting.
But after the Zoom call, I’d feel a bit more self conscious about my appearance.
And because I’m a recovered emotional eater, I’m deeply aware of how body dysmorphia can trigger emotional eating (and other eating issues). So I began to research Zoom Dysmorphia – for both myself – and for my Stop Emotional Eating Course Students.
Well, as it turns out, I’m not alone in feeling this way about Zoom. A lot of people are now confessing to struggling with Zoom Dysmorphia.
As our lives increasingly intertwine with on camera Zoom conversations, it’s important to understand how virtual meetings can affect our self perception. We need to be aware of how Zoom’s high-definition video quality and pesky camera angles can play tricks on our minds – distorting the reality of our appearance – thereby harming our self esteem.
Research reports that Zoom Dysmorphia has been affecting a lot of people’s mental health – triggering self-esteem issues, intensifying body dysmorphia, and leading to anxiety, insecurity and depression.
For example…
Basically, both dermatologists and psychologists alike are reporting what they call a “Zoom Boom” in patients – where they are seeing more people coming to them – feeling concerned about their appearance because of Zoom.
We might also feel extra critical of our appearance on Zoom due to what’s called the “mere-exposure effect.”
This psychological phenomenon was discovered by social psychologist Robert Zajonc. It explains that people tend to develop a preference for things merely – because they are familiar with them.
Here are a few strategies that can help you to manage Zoom Dysmorphia – as well as its accompanying Zoom Fatigue.
Let’s start by going easy on ourselves. Perfection is an illusion. Everyone has flaws. Embrace your unique traits and shower yourself with kindness and appreciation for the wonderful person that you are. Regularly repeat empowering “I am” affirmations – in particular right before a Zoom call! Or write daily gratitude lists – loaded up with things you love about yourself.
Remember, the camera doesn’t always tell the truth. It’s like a fun-house mirror that can distort reality. Stop comparing yourself to others and embrace what makes you uniquely attractive. Or go ahead and choose a filter that makes you feel more comfortable. Or simply schedule an audio only call. Zoom offers those options too!
What you wear can have a significant impact on your confidence. Choose an outfit that you feel great in, something that truly represents your personal style.
Don’t forget to log off from time to time. Spend time on activities that help you relax, feel happy and boost your confidence. Your mental health deserves a breather!
Redirect your focus from your physical appearance to your achievements and core values. What you’ve achieved in life – and who you are as a person – is way more important than how you look on a video call.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones for a compassionate, fresh perspective. Share your thoughts with trusted friends or family. Plus I can help you to manage your Zoom Dysmorphia by working with you directly on Zoom via one on one Mindset Mastery Sessions. Learn more here!
Zoom Dysmorphia is becoming more common in our increasingly digital lifestyle, and so it is a challenge we need to confront. So it’s important to take some time to understand the issue, acknowledge its effects on your self-image and mental health, and try some strategies to overcome it, so you can navigate this digital age with confidence and positivity.
Remember, you’re more than your appearance on a video call. You’re uniquely you. And beauty comes in many shapes and forms.
With this in mind… Here are more of those self-love focused quote image posters I designed.
Explore my research based and health boosting online program… >>>The Stop Emotional Eating Course!
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