Camera on or off? Appearance-based rejection sensitivity in virtual classroom and work settings

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a widespread shift to online learning and work, moving daily interactions with others into virtual spaces. In the current research, we examined how visibility of one’s appearance shapes individuals’ experiences in virtual settings. We investigated this question through the lens of Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity (Appearance-RS) – a personality processing system characterized by anxious expectations of being rejected based on one’s appearance. We hypothesized that individuals with higher (vs. lower) Appearance-RS would expect more negative outcomes when their appearance was visible (vs. not) during a virtual meeting. In Study 1, college students imagined introducing themselves in an online class with their camera turned either on or off. In Study 2, adults imagined joining a virtual work meeting where they had their camera on or off. Across both studies, when participants imagined having their camera on (vs. off), those with higher (vs. lower) Appearance-RS reported lower state self-esteem, which predicted less intended engagement. Thus, anticipated visibility in virtual settings may be detrimental for those who anxiously expect to be rejected based on their looks.