Beauty Filters: Are They Misleading You?

I recently discovered that an overwhelming number of people are using beauty filters on social media. It seems I missed the latest trend. I thought we had finally embraced authenticity, but now I’m questioning whether I’m seeing anyone’s genuine face online. Beauty filters have become the new standard, and to be honest, I feel tricked.

These filters have evolved far beyond just playful bunny ears or silly heart eyes. Now, with a simple swipe or click, you can achieve flawless skin that appears to glow, perfectly full lashes, and lips that always boast the ideal shade of pink. You can contour your jawline, accentuate your cheekbones, and slim your nose to create a “perfect” version of yourself for everyone to admire.

I admit that I’m an active user of social media, and I appreciate a bit of cropping, color enhancement, and maybe even eliminating a blemish or two to look my best in photos. Some might argue that beauty filters are similar to makeup, and I can see that point. It’s nice to have tools to add a touch of color or make your eyes pop. But when does it become excessive?

While photoshopping images isn’t new, the issue on social media is that we spend countless hours scrolling through what we think are glimpses into real lives. Unfortunately, we often mistake these filtered images for “authentic” representations, gradually adjusting our perception of reality. As an adult, I know many images are altered, yet I frequently fail to recognize filters. If I struggle to discern reality from illusion, how will my children?

I find myself worrying about my daughter as she navigates social media, potentially measuring her worth against others’ edited images. I think about my 15-year-old son, who might be comparing his typical teenage skin to the unblemished faces he sees online. It’s concerning because I catch myself scrolling and feeling inadequate next to another mom influencer’s radiant, flawless skin, questioning how she always looks so perfect.

Clinical psychologist Laura Greenberg notes that this issue has become more prevalent recently. She observes that staring at oneself on video calls all day has intensified body insecurities for many people. The lack of real social interaction during the past year has also contributed to this trend, as people spend more time consuming “perfect” filtered images online.

Plastic surgeons are increasingly seeing patients who want to resemble their filtered selves. Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified plastic surgeon, reports that patients often express dissatisfaction with their appearance in photos or during video calls. “Social media images often motivate individuals to seek enhancements, especially regarding skin texture or facial volume,” she explains. She emphasizes that there are safe, reasonable ways to achieve a refreshed, natural look under professional care, and not everyone needs the procedures they think they do.

Dr. Mark Thompson has noted a rise in requests for chin and neck fat removal procedures since more individuals are spending time on Zoom and using beauty filters. He cautions that such filters can set unrealistic expectations for patients’ goals, and as a responsible practitioner, he prioritizes safety and long-term satisfaction for his clients.

Interestingly, social media has significantly impacted beauty ideals over the years, often for the better. It has opened the door for diverse representations of beauty, challenging narrow, Eurocentric standards. However, the rise of beauty filters seems to be reversing this progress, negatively affecting users’ self-image.

Psychologist Sara Mendoza explains that we’re subconsciously led to believe that even the most attractive individuals aren’t good enough to present themselves authentically. While striving to look our best is natural, when it means hiding our true selves, it reflects deeper issues of self-esteem and acceptance.

Dr. Julia Roberts believes that using beauty filters can be acceptable in moderation if it boosts one’s confidence. However, she cautions that it’s no substitute for working on self-esteem and won’t fundamentally change how someone feels about themselves. Any enhancements one might use should be recognized as surface-level solutions.

Beauty filters can be entertaining, and I’m not suggesting you stop using them entirely. Who wouldn’t want to look their best for social media posts? But the next time you reach for a beauty filter, pause to reflect: Are you just having fun, or have you been led to believe you don’t meet unrealistic beauty standards that aren’t reflective of reality?

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Summary:

Beauty filters on social media are creating a distorted perception of reality, leading many individuals to feel inadequate when comparing themselves to idealized, edited images. While some use these filters for fun, they can contribute to deeper issues of self-esteem and body image. It’s important to recognize when filters cross the line from playful enhancement to unrealistic expectations, particularly for younger audiences.

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