How Zoom and TikTok are changing our self-image and identity
We live in an era where we see our own faces more often than ever before. Thanks to the invention of mirrors in the 15th century and the proliferation of digital media in the 21st century, we are constantly faced with our own reflections, whether it is through selfies, video calls, or social media platforms. But how does this affect our sense of identity and self-esteem?
According to experts, seeing ourselves so much can have various psychological effects, such as heightened self-awareness, self-consciousness, and self-criticism. “We are not designed to look at ourselves so much. We are the only animal that does it. And we pay a psychological price for it,” says Dr. Vivian Diller, a psychologist and author of Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change. She explains that seeing ourselves from an outside perspective can create a gap between how we perceive ourselves and how we want to be perceived by others.
This gap can also be distorted by the way we see ourselves on video calls, which have become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The camera angle, lighting, and resolution can alter how we look, making us appear less attractive or more flawed than we really are. This can trigger a form of body image disorder called Zoom dysmorphia, which is characterized by a preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance and a desire to change them through cosmetic procedures.
“Zooming is not only a new technology; it’s a new way of seeing ourselves and interacting with each other. It’s not yet clear how this may affect our well-being,” says Dr. Shadi Kourosh, a dermatologist and co-author of the paper “A New Phenomenon of ‘Zoom Dysmorphia’”. She adds that Zoom dysmorphia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
One of the people who experienced Zoom dysmorphia is Anna, a 32-year-old teacher who became obsessed with her nose, her skin, and her wrinkles after seeing herself on Zoom. “I felt like I looked horrible on Zoom and I wanted to fix everything,” she says. She eventually sought help from a therapist who helped her cope with her negative self-image.
But not all self-viewing is bad. Seeing ourselves can also boost our self-confidence, self-expression, and self-acceptance, especially if we use digital media in a positive and creative way. For example, some people use platforms like TikTok to showcase their talents, share their stories, or connect with others who have similar interests or experiences.
“The more we look at ourselves, the more we get used to seeing ourselves from an outside perspective. That can create a sense of detachment from our bodies that can affect our identity,” says Dr. Christian Jarrett, a cognitive neuroscientist and author of The Rough Guide to Psychology. He suggests that we need to find a balance between self-viewing and self-acceptance, and that we should be mindful of how our faces are not the only aspect of who we are.
“We need to remember that our faces are not the only thing that defines us. We are much more than what we see on the screen,” says Dr. Amy Slater, a psychologist and co-author of the book Appearance Matters: The Psychology of Body Image and Appearance. She advises us to focus on other qualities that make us unique and valuable, such as our skills, hobbies, personality, and relationships.
In conclusion, seeing our own faces more often than ever before can have both positive and negative effects on our self-image and identity. It is important to be aware of how digital media can influence our perception of ourselves and others, and to use it in a healthy and constructive way. As Dr. Diller says, “We are not our faces. We are so much more.”
Relevant articles:
- We were never supposed to see our own faces this much, Dazed, 18 September 2023
- How Staring at Our Faces on Zoom Is Impacting Our Self-Image, Vogue, 3 August 2023
- What Is Zoom Dysmorphia? How I Dealt With Video Call Anxiety, Good Housekeeping, 7 February 2022
- Zoom Dysmorphia: Distortion of Self-Image, Exploring Your Mind, 20 October 2022
Originally published at https://trendydigests.com on September 25, 2023.
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