Survey Says: “Women More Vain In Person Than Online”

November 6, 2013


“Don’t shoot the messenger,” but according to results from a survey conducted by all-in-one messenger service imo.im, more women are vain in person than online.  The company used Google Consumer Surveys to assess women’s comfort level when it comes to video calling — would you take a video call without any makeup?

The new survey reveals that women are becoming more comfortable interacting in a virtual setting makeup free than they are in real life. Results indicate women who regularly video chat are almost three times more likely to go makeup-free on a video call than women going about their day-to-day activities – (going to work, running to the store or going on a date).
A deeper look at the results also indicates:

  • Comfortable on camera: Four out of five women would take a video call without makeup, while only one out of five women would be okay going to work au natural
  • Must wear makeup in public: One in three women say they wouldn’t go to the store, go to work or go on a date without any makeup
  • Seniors are more shy: 55-64 year-old women are twice as likely to wear makeup on a video call than 18-24 year olds

gossip“When you are so accustomed to communicating over phone calls, texts and emails, introducing a new line of face-to-face communication can definitely take some getting used to,” shares Brandi Kolmer, imo’s marketing lead. “We are headed to a place where daily video calls are a common means of communication, and this study further shows that women are becoming more confident on camera: who would have thought the days of ignoring a video call request because you weren’t fully done up could actually be a thing of the past?”
While most now view video calling as a casual, daily way to converse with family and friends, Brandi and the imo team know there is some work to do make newcomers feel comfortable on-screen. Here are a few tips that can make a difference to your appearance — whether you’re a first-time video caller, have a last-minute interview or been asked out on a first “virtual” date:

  • Turn on the light: Don’t chat in the dark. Be sure you’re facing the light, whether it’s a window in front of you or a lamp next to your screen.
  • Screen height: Elongate your neck by positioning the screen above you, so you don’t end up with tired-looking eyes or a double chin.
  • Show those pearly whites: Smiling into the camera sets a more inviting tone for the call.
  • Background noise: Is there a stack of ugly books or a distracting NSYNC poster behind you? Remember, they can see everything so minimize the space if you need to.
  • Tone it down: Shiny jewelry and bright patterns can look messy on screen — you want your caller to focus on what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing.

Do you agree with the survey results?


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Dave Forde


Dave “The Connector” Forde has been involved in the marketing, public relations and technology industry across Canada for over 15 years in various sales and marketing roles, he launched The Connected One network of business sites which connects buyers to the right sellers. Profectio and PR In Canada covers news about the marketing and public relations industry each day helping professionals advance their career and businesses.
He also serves as an advisor to a number of businesses across the country. Find Dave on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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