Most people stare at themselves on video calls more than the speaker. Could it be sparking a cosmetic surgery boom?

BOSTON — Those constant Zoom calls and Google Meets are fundamentally altering how individuals perceive their facial appearance. A new study shows that not only are people spending more time staring at their digital reflections than the actual speaker, but thanks to appearance-enhancing filters, they’re finding themselves more likely to consider cosmetic procedures as a result.

Published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the study introduces the phenomenon dubbed “videoconferencing dysmorphia.” Researchers from multiple medical institutions, including Harvard Medical School and Boston University, say it emerged prominently during the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to influence self-perception and cosmetic surgery decisions even as virtual communication becomes permanently integrated into daily life.

Results from a survey of over 500 participants suggest that the more time individuals spend analyzing their appearance during video calls, the more likely they are to consider cosmetic procedures.

Much like staring into a mirror for extended periods, spending hours on video calls has created a new form of self-scrutiny. Platform features like “touch-up my appearance” filters, which provide an airbrushed effect, might amplify this effect by presenting users with an idealized version of themselves.

‘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,” says corresponding author Dr. Neelam Vashi, associate professor of dermatology and director of the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, in a statement.

Survey results show that nearly 89 percent used videoconferencing platforms more than three days per week. Perhaps more tellingly, 68 percent reported using appearance-enhancing filters more than half the time during their calls. Two-thirds of participants admitted to focusing more on their own image than on the speaker or presented material during video meetings.

Demographics of the study participants skewed younger, with 80 percent between ages 18 and 39. Women made up 68 percent of respondents, and the group showed significant ethnic diversity, with 58 percent identifying as non-White. Most participants were well-educated, with 89 percent holding college degrees or higher, and over half reported annual incomes exceeding $50,000.

Statistical analysis revealed compelling correlations between videoconferencing behaviors and attitudes toward cosmetic procedures. Approximately 56 percent of participants indicated that their videoconferencing experience influenced their desire for cosmetic interventions. Similarly, 58 percent reported that using appearance-enhancing filters affected their interest in these procedures.

Most striking was the connection between self-viewing behavior and cosmetic procedure interest. Among those who frequently watched themselves during video calls, over 80 percent expressed interest in cosmetic treatments. Popular procedures under consideration included chemical peels, fat reduction, laser treatments, surgical reconstruction, dermal fillers, and neuromodulators like Botox.

Interestingly, mask-wearing during the pandemic appeared to have an opposite effect. Among frequent self-viewers, nearly 69 percent reported improved self-esteem while wearing masks, and 67 percent indicated that mask usage reduced their desire for cosmetic procedures.

Financial status emerged as a significant predictor of filter usage, with higher-income individuals being more than twice as likely to use appearance-enhancing features during video calls. Additionally, those with graduate-level education showed higher rates of videoconferencing usage overall.

The researchers express particular concern about how increased focus on appearance during videoconferencing could exacerbate body image issues or disorders, specifically 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,” Dr. Vashi explains.

As virtual communication continues to shape modern workplace and social interactions, understanding these emerging psychological patterns becomes increasingly important for healthcare providers. The research suggests that addressing both the aesthetic and psychological aspects of videoconferencing-related appearance concerns will be crucial for ensuring appropriate treatment outcomes.