A simple dissatisfaction with a physical feature of oneself can lead to issues with self-confidence and self-esteem. This obsession can escalate further into Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), where individuals become fixated on perceived flaws in their appearance, significantly disrupting their personal, social, and professional lives.
We started off with secondary research by carrying out a thorough literature review of 20 papers on the topic. We then shifted our focus towards primary research, conducting 10 semi-structured interviews, 7 contextual inquiries, 1 survey, and a couple of focus groups.
Studies consistently showed that social media's portrayals of idealized physiques significantly influence body dissatisfaction in both sexes.
While most previous work has done great work in diagnosing BDD, there was not significant focus on its treatment or intervention strategies.
Many participants of the survey shared that their BDD symptoms deeply affected their daily routine.
In focus groups, several participants highlighted that they avoid social gatherings because they constantly feel physically judged.
Contextual inquiry revealed that some people in the gym tend to compare themselves with unrealistic body types on social media.
Interviews revealed a reluctance to seek professional support and preferred something more private.
Empower individuals suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) by providing accessible tools and resources to help them understand, manage, and overcome their appearance-related anxieties. We aim to connect users with professional guidance while fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and self-acceptance.