What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body image perception has become increasingly fragmented in today’s hyper-visual, digitally-mediated culture. With the growing influence of social media filters, beauty algorithms, and online ideals, individuals—especially young adults—are experiencing heightened levels of body dissatisfaction and distortion.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an under discussed yet deeply impactful condition where individuals perceive flaws in their appearance that are often invisible to others. Auris investigates how immersive visual technologies can be used as tools to externalize and reflect the inner experiences of body dysmorphia. By translating the perception of self into dynamic real-time visuals, this project explores how technology might help bridge the gap between how people see themselves and how they are seen. The central research question is: in what ways can immersive and interactive visual distortions of the self serve as a medium to represent and evoke the internal experience of body dysmorphia?

The hypothesis is can an interactive simulation serve as both an artistic expression and a therapeutic intervention. Drawing from methods in creative coding, speculative design, and affective computing, the project combines TouchDesigner and MediaPipe to create evolving visual narratives of the human form. The distortions aim not to beautify, but to unsettle—to represent the dissonance between perception and reality.

Causes of BDD

BDD is believed to result from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some contributing causes include:

Genetics: A family history of anxiety, OCD, or BDD may increase the risk.

Neurobiology: Abnormalities in brain function, particularly in how the brain processes visual information and self-perception.

Personality Traits: Perfectionism, low self-esteem, and high levels of self-criticism are common traits among individuals with BDD.

Bullying or Teasing: Being mocked for physical appearance during childhood can lead to long-term self-consciousness

Parental Criticism: Parents who overly focus on physical appearance or body image may cause children to internalize these concerns.

Emotional Neglect or Abuse: Growing up in an environment where self-worth is diminished can contribute to poor self-image.

Early Exposure to Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Media, family expectations, or peer pressure emphasizing physical perfection can shape distorted self-perception.

Trauma or Major Life Changes: A significant life event (e.g., divorce, job loss, or an accident) can trigger self-esteem issues.

Aging and Bodily Changes: Some individuals develop BDD as they age and become more conscious of changes in their appearance.

Exposure to Social Media & Cosmetic Trends: Unrealistic beauty standards can influence adults who previously had a neutral or positive body image.

Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, or OCD can contribute to the onset of BDD in adulthood.

Eating Disorders: Having eating disorders can lead to body dysmorphia with obsession of self appearance.

Feedback and Reviews

"I cannot recognize myself"

One of the most common reflection was people were not able to recognize themselves, some were frustrated with that idea and some loved it.

"I hate it, I want to pause it and rearrange the blocks and look like myself again"

A good amount of people were very uncomfortable with how they looked and wished to look normal again.

"I wish I looked like this during online meetings"

A lot of the people who interacted with my visuals were comfortable with the way they looked and wished to look the same during online meetings so they would spend less time worrying about their appearances.

"I feel relaxed seeing myself like this"

Many people felt at ease seeing themselves distorted, they felt there was no need for them to obsess over their appearance as this was most of what they thought they look like in their minds.

"I like that I have control over how much I want to see myself"

Whether or not people enjoyed their distorted selves, most of them enjoyed the idea of having hand gestures with which they can control how much they want to see of themselves.