Facial filters, whether referred to as augmented reality, face filters, or Google’s term “face retouching,” have transitioned from playful designs like puppy ears and flower crowns to more common edits that smooth complexions and alter appearances. Today, social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are filled with these filters, and many of us are guilty of using them. Who doesn’t have a preferred filter on Instagram? I often find myself using cute kitty ears on Facebook Messenger after a few drinks; they make me feel more attractive, enhancing my eyes and narrowing my face. Meanwhile, a friend adorns herself with angelic wings and soft lighting, presenting a more polished version of ourselves.
Teenagers have grown up surrounded by this selfie culture. A young girl named Mia shared with MIT Technology Review that she began using filters in fifth grade. “When you’re twelve and have access to something that makes you look older and prettier, it feels amazing,” she notes. But what happens when the filtered version of ourselves becomes the new standard, leaving our real appearances feeling inadequate? We’re unwitting participants in a vast social experiment, primarily affecting teens and women.
The Prevalence of Filters
Carla Jenkins, a makeup artist and photographer, observes that some women refuse to be seen without filters. “They genuinely believe that their filtered selves are their true selves,” she explains. Even she has felt the pressure, admitting, “I often feel the need to make my features look different to feel acceptable.” With platforms like Zoom even offering touch-up features, the urge to present a flawless image is ever-present.
High-profile figures like Kim Kardashian have also contributed to this phenomenon. Teen Vogue highlighted how, even when she shares makeup-free moments, she still relies on filters to smooth her skin and enhance her features. If celebrities can’t go without filters, how can we expect teens to embrace their natural looks?
Statistics show that a significant number of teens engage with these platforms daily—63% of teens aged 13-17 use Instagram regularly, and 54% are on Snapchat. With 64% of users experimenting with facial filters, it’s concerning to think about the impact this has on younger audiences who perceive filtering as the norm.
Beyond Surface-Level Changes
You may have heard of apps like Facetune or Meitu, which allow users to modify their facial features extensively. Not happy with your nose? Make it smaller. Want bigger eyes or fuller lips? These apps can achieve that with a few taps. As noted by Teen Vogue, many of us have altered our photos with these tools, which can be alarming. A 21-year-old named Jamie remarked, “I’ve deleted Facetune multiple times, but I find myself drawn back to it. My social media influences my beauty standards, shaping how I perceive myself.”
When asked to describe the “Instagram Face,” 19-year-old Alex replied, “It’s about having a small nose, large eyes, clear skin, and full lips.” The trend of using filters to alter facial features, often referred to as “deformation” or “facial distortion,” is prevalent among teens. While Facebook banned some of these features in 2019, they have since been reinstated, highlighting the complex relationship between beauty standards and social media.
The Mental Health Consequences
Heather Monroe, a licensed clinical social worker and program director at Newport Academy, emphasizes a clear connection between media consumption and body image challenges. Teens often experience depression and diminished self-esteem as they compare themselves to their filtered peers, leading to a negative impact on mental health. “These constant comparisons can create an unhealthy cycle,” she warns.
Dr. Lisa Howard, a psychology professor at Hope International University, points out the established negative correlation between social media and mental health. “Instagram has been linked to anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly regarding physical appearance,” she explains. With so many teens using Instagram and its filters daily, these issues can escalate into obsessive-compulsive behavior regarding appearance. Conditions like body dysmorphia can arise, where individuals become fixated on perceived flaws.
The prevalence of filters has even influenced the cosmetic surgery industry. Reports indicate that in 2017, 55% of plastic surgeons encountered clients seeking to look better in selfies, a sharp rise from just 13% in 2013. Teens are increasingly learning to expect the augmented reality of filters as their baseline for beauty, and when reality falls short, it can lead to significant self-esteem and mental health challenges.
While facial filters can be entertaining, we are raising a generation who may feel they need these digital enhancements to feel attractive. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, affecting how young girls view their own beauty.
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Summary
Facial filters have become a significant part of modern social media, shaping how teens perceive beauty and themselves. This digital alteration can lead to serious self-esteem issues and mental health challenges as young individuals compare their unfiltered selves to the enhanced versions they see online. As our society becomes more reliant on these filters, it is crucial to recognize their impact and work towards fostering a healthier self-image among the youth.