Selfies—Living in the Era of Filtered Photographs

Abstract

We live in an era of edited selfies and ever-evolving standards of beauty. The advent and popularity of image-based social media have put Photoshop and filters in everyone's arsenal. A few swipes on Snapchat can give your selfie a crown of flowers or puppy ears. A little adjusting on Facetune can smoothen out skin, and make teeth look whiter and eyes and lips bigger. A quick share on Instagram, and the likes and comments start rolling in. These filters and edits have become the norm, altering people's perception of beauty worldwide.Earlier, photo-editing technology was widely available only for celebrities. Models and actors were made to look perfect in magazines and ads, but the general public did not have easy access to methods to alter their own appearance. They instead were left to idolize the standard of beauty present in the media, although most were aware of the editing and alterations that went into making celebrities look flawless. 1 Today, with apps like Snapchat and Facetune, that same level of perfection is accessible to everyone. Now, it is not just celebrities propagating beauty standards: it is a classmate, a coworker, or a friend. The pervasiveness of these filtered images can take a toll on one's self esteem, make one feel inadequate for not looking a certain way in the real world, and may even act as a trigger and lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).Body dysmorphic disorder is an excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance, classified on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. 2 The disorder is more than an insecurity or a lack of confidence. Those with BDD often go to great lengths to hide their imperfections, engage in repetitive behaviors like skin picking or grooming, and may visit dermatologists or plastic surgeons frequently, hoping to change their appearance. A recent study 3 analyzed the effect of edited selfies on body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls and found that those who manipulated their photos more reported a higher level of concern with their bodies and an overestimation of body shape and weight. The study also suggested that those with a dysmorphic body image may seek out social media as a means of validating their attractiveness. Finally, those with a higher level of engagement on social media-including those actively trying to present a specific image of oneself or analyzing and commenting on other's photos-may have a higher level of body dissatisfaction. 3 The desire for cosmetic surgery is an important component of BDD. It is known that the angle and close distance at which selfies are taken may distort facial dimensions and lead to dissatisfaction. 4 Patients VIEWPOINT

Evolving role of Instagram in #medicine

“…For certain patients, it may be empowering to find a sense of community online and enjoyable to have the chance to talk to other people who are suffering from the same disease. Some patients may also be more inclined to seek medical review as it may appear as a more accessible and realistic option after witnessing other patients' experiences with treatment …”

“…For some users, this can lead to body dissatisfaction, feelings of inadequacy and decreased self‐esteem as they desire to look a certain way or unnecessarily compare themselves to others on Instagram . Social media may also be an unhealthy means of validating one's own self‐worth and attractiveness which may perpetuate negative consequences for body image . For cosmetic specialities, such as dermatology or plastic surgery, this may be causing an increase in the desire for cosmetic procedures as “filters” and other forms of photographic editing blur the lines between fantasy and reality .…”

“…Social media may also be an unhealthy means of validating one's own self‐worth and attractiveness which may perpetuate negative consequences for body image . For cosmetic specialities, such as dermatology or plastic surgery, this may be causing an increase in the desire for cosmetic procedures as “filters” and other forms of photographic editing blur the lines between fantasy and reality . Having said this, the presence of healthcare professionals on social media can also help dispel and combat digitally circulated medical myths or unhealthy and unsafe trends like the flood of sunburn tattoos, which became popular in 2015 …”

“…Some patients may also be more inclined to seek medical review as it may appear as a more accessible and realistic option after witnessing other patients' experiences with treatment. 12 Accessibility With 1 billion active users in 2018, a majority of which are young adults and adolescents, it is easy to see why Instagram should be utilised for a health perspective. 13 It is a pre-established means of communication that is not only easy to use but free.…”

“…With the advent of Instagram and other photo-editing applications, the majority of users will find themselves filtering and editing their photos leading to altered standards of beauty. 12 For some users, this can lead to body dissatisfaction, feelings of inadequacy and decreased selfesteem as they desire to look a certain way or unnecessarily compare themselves to others on Instagram. 2 Social media may also be an unhealthy means of validating one's own self-worth and attractiveness which may perpetuate negative consequences for body image.…”