Jessica Frost Do you put more effort into your appearance ahead of a video call?
In a new study commissioned by Allergan Aesthetics, just over 2000 Australians over the age of 18 were asked about living life ‘up close and personal’ on video calls and their attitudes towards facial appearances through the camera lens.
It’s no secret that lockdown has pushed us to live life online with work, school and social interactions all turning to video call services like Zoom and FaceTime to stay in touch. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this added time on screen and having our faces in focus is impacting the way we think of our appearance. In fact, 66% of Australians surveyed feel anxious about their appearance on video calls according to survey results.
Both men and women in capital cities and regional areas participated in the survey of which the focus was to uncover why being up close is harder online than it is in person, why video calls prompt harsh self-assessment, and the impact this is having on people’s interest in medical aesthetics.
Some key results from the survey include:
94% Australian video callers surveyed said they notice their own appearance before anything else at the start of a video call.
70% of people surveyed feel that digital interactions are harder than those in person.
62% of people surveyed feel self-conscious enough on video calls to not have the camera on unless absolutely necessary.
27% of Australians surveyed cite double chins, drooping jowls and the jawline as key facial concerns for 2021.
32% Australians surveyed feel women are increasingly judged on how they present themselves online during video meetings.
Video calls are prompting a surge in medical aesthetics
Also revealed by the survey, awareness of medical aesthetics is on the rise with nearly 40% of Australians surveyed saying they are curious about medical aesthetic procedures, like dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections due to added time in front of the ‘digital mirror’.
“Not only are we seeing our own faces more often on video calls, but the format also adds an additional layer of scrutiny, by reflecting our emotions and reactions in real time. For some people, this is far more confronting than simply looking in a physical mirror for daily grooming,” commented dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook.
Additional research shows that nearly half of those surveyed (45%) plan to have dermal filler injections in the next year from August 2020, and for 49% of those, it will be the first time.
The results remain consistent with recent search results data and reports from the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australia (CPCA) that noted that dermal filler injections saw a significant increase of 25% and anti-wrinkle injections was up 14% on the previous year.
Leading Australian Plastic Surgeon Dr Steven Liew commented, “Video calls are now a norm in our daily communication. Unfortunately, it now provides a platform for people to not only scrutinise their own features more closely, but also compare themselves to others. This harsh, but true reality, has translated into increased interest in facial aesthetics in clinic, with many people stating their motivation for enhancement is directly related to seeing themselves on screen.”
Despite added interest, it seems that Aussies are lacking fundamental education to support their decision making process in seeking aesthetic treatments. Over 47% of people surveyed were unaware that dermal filler treatment can enhance or replace volume, reduce deeper lines and help contour the face. The survey results make it clear that more education is needed in order to safely balance the increased interest in medical aesthetics procedures.
Take a look at some more of the key survey findings
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