Patient perception of beauty on social media: Professional and bioethical obligations in esthetics

Abstract

Social media platforms, networking websites, and mobile applications have become integrated into our daily lives and activities. While most age groups have reported high rates of social media usage, the largest consumers are millennials, which comprise those born between 1981 and 1996. Millennials are considered to be individuals accustomed to building online personas and who only know life with modern technology. While the widespread adoption of social media has generated a multitude of societal benefits, many studies have demonstrated associations between social media use and psychological dysfunction, including depression and body image discontent. 1 Women are generally more susceptible than men. Recently, the terms "snapchat dysmorphia" and "selfie dysmorphia" have engendered dialogue in both the public sphere and medical literature. 2The recognition of these terms, which refer to social media-induced dissatisfaction with appearance, and prevalence may greatly impact the practice of esthetic practitioners, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons.Many social media platforms feature filtration applications, or filters, which can allow users to alter their appearances in either subtle or substantial ways. The filters can provide smooth and even skin tones, larger eyes, fuller lips, more angled jawlines, whiter teeth, and thinner faces. Users can additionally crop, shade, and colorize. These filters and editing features have significantly changed the perception of beauty worldwide. 3 People can now devote substantial time to idealizing their photographs in order to project an often unrealistic self-image. 4 The new reality is that people often post an optimized and curated self in a highlight reel of their life. Sociocultural theories on body image contend that messaging through media has had a profound effect on how individuals view standards of beauty. 1 It is well documented that exposures to idealized body images from television or magazines can lead to body dissatisfaction and/or disordered eating. Whereas body and facial morphing tools were once only within the purview of beauty editors and graphic designers, they are now at anyone's fingertips. No longer are these modalities reserved for fashion models or movie stars. Additionally, social media offers immediate feedback, adding to the culture of constant review and criticism. The inexorable cycle of sharing personal content and receiving feedback may exacerbate adverse effects on body image and psychological health. A recent study confirmed that those who manipulated their photographs prior to sharing them on social media reported greater dissatisfaction with body image and disordered eating. 5Despite it being nearly impossible to look like filtered selfies, people often go to great lengths to emulate their idealized images. Social media has started to influence individual decisions to undergo AbstractRecently, social media use has skyrocketed, especially with millennials. The use of filtered images and photo editing has led to a new trend of social ...

Growth of cosmetic procedures in millennials: A 4.5‐year clinical review

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Predictors of Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery: Instagram Images-Based Activities, Appearance Comparison and Body Dissatisfaction Among Women

“…Overall, photo-based social media and apps are providing a new reality of beauty for today’s society. These apps allow one to alter his or her appearance in an instant and conform to an unrealistic and often unattainable standard of beauty [ 31 ]. SNSs make it easy for individuals to present their “best” selves albeit digitally enhanced [ 32 , 33 ].…”

Insatisfação Corporal E Disturbios De Imagem Corporal Repercutidas a Partir De Midias E Redes Sociais

“…Além da ação direta das mídias, a popularização do uso de filtros nas fotos também se mostrou como uma problemática, por conta da idealização criada por eles de que as simulações geradas são quase impossíveis de serem copiadas nas cirurgias plásticas. Fato destacado por médicos ao alertarem seus pacientes que demonstram interesse em ter uma aparência similar às presentes em imagens editadas com filtros, que a chance de alcançar o resultado desejado pelo cliente é quase impossível (WANG et al, 2020).…”