Does staring at a screen affect our confidence?

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The pandemic has changed a lot of our day-to-day activities especially when it comes to daily interactions with people. For the first time in the past year, we have been continuously staring at our screen all day and the interactions we have had were online through Zoom calls.

We want you to share your Zoom interactions, experiences and moments with us.

But, in a lot of ways, Zoom has served us well in terms of convenience, and even rolling out of bed 5 minutes before a 9 a.m. meeting, and wearing a tee-shirt with your PJ bottoms. We are aware that one of the negative aspects is not being able to meet people in person, but what if we told you that staring at a Zoom screen for long periods of time is actually affecting your confidence, and there is proof to back it up. I can already sense the uncomfortable shifts in the seats.

Zoom grew by almost 2,000 per cent in the first four months of 2020

The dermal filler brand Teoxane found that one in 10 women had noticed more flaws in their appearance while being on video calls. Dr. Asher Siddiqi, the medical aesthetic expert is just one of the clinicians who have observed the impact.

About 35 per cent of workers have said they felt less attractive on video calls than in real life. A lot of cosmetic doctors, clinicians, dermatologists, orthodontics, and cosmetic surgeons have come out and said that they have seen a rise of people booking more consultations with us for treatments like nose jobs, botox, and mole removals.

Customers shared reasoning such as not realizing their nose was big, or their mole didn’t sit well on their cheek or the wrinkles around their eyes.

This has been proven true way before the pandemic, according to a 2016 survey conducted by video call network Highfive, 35 per cent of workers said they felt less attractive on video calls than in real life, and 59 per cent claimed to feel more self-conscious in front of the lens than in real life.

Anonymous individuals shared their Zoom experience with the YLT team

“I always thought I had straight teeth until I was in a Zoom meeting and realized that my smile was a little crooked. This led me to get my braces and I’m happy with it because I feel more confident.”

Anonymous, 22 

“The mole right below my eye that I thought was completely normal, but when I looked at any camera on my laptop my face did not look symmetrical. I started getting really self-conscious of how my face looks heavier on one side because of my mole. So, I went to a med spa and had it removed. Honestly, Zoom or not it was the best decision and I’m so happy I got it done.”

Anonymous, 20 

“I got my lips done, I had a Zoom date with a guy I met during the pandemic. We decided to facetime and that is when he told me your lips are small. I didn’t think they were, but the camera made them seem this way. Needless to say I went and got filler, and also I am not dating that guy at all.”

Anonymous, 20 

And…we are here to fully promote self-love, confidence, and happiness. So, do what brings you peace.

Here are 5 ways you can avoid staring at a screen. Gain that confidence back without having to change.

Phone calls 

If you are able to do a phone call or even a Zoom call without the camera then we would highly suggest you take that route instead. Work on feeling confident during this time, if that means certain lighting or clothing to make you feel confident then go for that.

Not just you staring at a screen 

It is important to know that this Zoom appearance dilemma is messing with everyone’s confidence, and you are not alone. If you don’t look your best that is okay. Understand that this is not your reality.

No one will notice because they are busy staring at their own screen 

We are literally our harshest critics, I promise you no one will notice the insecurities that you find within you. So, breathe and cherish this time giving yourself love because that is the one thing that will radiate and will be noticed. Also, side note people really are too busy worrying about their own issues. 

Practice positive self talk

A great way to practice positive self-talk is looking at yourself in the mirror and saying a few kind things before you leave. Journaling is also another great option. You can write down positive things, and you will have it there the next time you feel down so you can always read what you wrote. 

Seek the resources 

There are multiple self-love videos on youtube, and podcasts you can listen to. You can also always confront your friends to lift your spirit and confidence. But the best friend is your mirror in order to build long-lasting confidence.

The pandemic has not been easy, and although staring at a screen has presented a lot of good things like rolling out of bed 5 minutes before your work call, it also presented some negatives like caring too much about how you look on camera in front of your colleagues and class.

Before we slowly say bye to virtual world, we want you to share your positive and negative Zoom stories with us!

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