Study finds videoconferencing impacts self-perception, desire for cosmetic procedures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, January 6, 2025
Contact: Gina DiGravio, 617-358-7838, gind@bu.edu

Study Finds Videoconferencing Impacts Self-Perception, Desire for Cosmetic Procedures

Increased use of videoconferencing technology is connected to body image dissatisfaction

(Boston)—The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented rise in the use of videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. Experts have likened the videoconferencing experience to watching oneself in the mirror – the more time spent in front of a mirror or viewing oneself on video may lead to a more heavily scrutinized body image.

A new study from researchers at the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center found widespread use of video calling platforms makes people more conscious of their appearance, driving them to seek cosmetic treatments.

“This phenomenon shares similarities with “Snapchat dysmorphia,” where people seek surgical changes to replicate their filtered images. This resonates with many people who, through videoconferencing, have started scrutinizing their appearance more closely than ever before, driving an increasing demand for cosmetic procedures," explained corresponding author Neelam Vashi, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and director of the Center.

The researchers conducted a survey of 545 adults in the U.S. who answered questions about how often they used videoconferencing, how frequently they looked at themselves on video calls, and whether they used filters to improve their appearance. They were also asked about their interest in cosmetic procedures. The researchers then analyzed the responses using statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships between videoconferencing behaviors and the desire for cosmetic treatments.

They found videoconferencing influenced the desire for cosmetic procedures in 55.9% of participants, and 57.8% were influenced by filter use. Frequent self-viewing was reported by 67% of participants and was strongly associated with an interest in obtaining cosmetic procedures. Significant predictors of filter use included higher income and frequent self-viewing behavior. Notably, mask wearing was associated with increased self-esteem (68.8% of respondents) and a reduced desire for cosmetic procedures (67.4%) in frequent self-viewers.

According to the researchers, these findings may help dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons understand why increasing numbers of their patients are seeking cosmetic procedures. “Patients' desire for treatment may not always come from an inherent dissatisfaction but rather from the extended exposure to their digital reflections. This could help healthcare providers set realistic expectations and ensure that treatments are appropriate for their motivations,” said Vashi.

The researchers believe their study suggests that the increased focus on appearance due to videoconferencing could exacerbate body image issues or disorders, like body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). “In the future, this could lead to more interventions focusing on psychological well-being alongside cosmetic treatments and may impact how BDD is diagnosed or treated, especially in cases where patients are preoccupied with facial features highlighted during video calls,” she added.

These findings appear online in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Note to Editors:

Dr. Vashi is a consultant for Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Janssen, UpToDate, and Unilever.