In the age of filters, the concept of “perfection” is only one swipe away; for many teens, that’s where confidence begins to crumble. Before even taking a picture, with just a few taps, we can blur our pores, enlarge our eyes, and mask all other insecurities. It’s a false, manufactured reflection of ourselves, and the results manage to successfully trick millions of online social media users. This recent obsession with ridiculously hyper-edited selfies is known as Snapchat Dysmorphia, a phenomenon that psychologists describe as the desire to look like one’s filtered self rather than one’s real appearance. Some users have even gone as far as seeking cosmetic surgeries in order to resemble their filtered, digitally-altered images. These unrealistic beauty standards that filters can achieve should not be labeled as confidence. Snapchat Dysmorphia is more than innocent vanity–it’s an ever-growing mental health concern, especially for teenagers shaped by social media.
There are billions of accessible filters on the internet, blurring the line between reality and fantasy: impossible standards are set, measures that even celebrities can’t meet. Although many individuals tend to suffer with their insecurities in silence, this issue is actually the result of a much larger trend: the influence of social media filters and digitally altered beauty. What once began as playful dog filters and cute flower crowns quickly evolved into an ocean of comparison and quiet self-criticism. When scrolling through social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram, teens’ feeds are flooded with what seems like the perfect face. Even worse, these filters and editing platforms have gotten to the point of being so convincingly flawless, leaving viewers unaware of the truth behind the altered images.
Information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes how Dr. Yagoda, a plastic surgeon, observed many of his clients’ requests for their desired changes corresponding to the filters that Snapchat and Instagram could provide (nih.gov). As for the young teenagers who are unable to partake in such procedures, constant exposure to fake media warps their perception of what normal looks like, leading to dissatisfaction when it comes to their own appearance. Consequently, there are rising rates of body dysmorphia, anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders, especially in younger, developing teenagers.
We live in a world with varying beauty standards that change with each generation. As people struggle to keep up with the bar, filters are marketed as harmless tools to boost confidence. Our understanding of what’s normal and what’s beautiful is distorted as distinctive features become stamped as outlandish. Unfortunately, these artificial faces that we see on social media today are already normalized, shaping the way our reflections stare back at us in the mirror. Unlearning these toxic ideals won’t happen overnight, and the imprint of them may never be fully erased from our society. But it all begins with awareness. It begins with shining a light on something we’ve long kept in the dark; and although it may be a sensitive path for many to take, limiting filter use or reaching out to peers could be the first step in truly loving the authentic versions of ourselves. When applying a filter, ask yourself, “Is this really me?” Sometimes it’s better to put the filter down and simply accept the honest reality: true confidence isn’t found in an edited face on a screen. Instead, it’s found in the courage to embrace the rawest, most authentic versions of ourselves with love, and most importantly, without a filter.
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