Social media has transformed into an influential force in the digital era, particularly in the aspect of not only influencing the way we relate to one another but also how we perceive ourselves and others. Out of the many ways social media has captured our lives, beauty standards are prominent. With the advent of Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, the redefinition and consumption of beauty blur the lines between what’s real and what’s ideal.
Rise of Social Media and Beauty Standards
In truth, the actual impact of social media on beauty standards is nothing new. From their very inception, the platforms have given millions an arena to showcase their lives and, more particularly, their appearance. The more the platforms became popular, the greater the focus was given to visuals, and thus, beauty was placed at the very forefront of social interaction.
It is the standard of beauty, largely informed by traditional media: magazines, movies, and television before social media was born. These channels belonged to a few heavy-handed outlets; hence, it just did what it was told to do. This carried on into the foreground of social media, which now made any person with a smartphone a trendsetter. This saw an explosion of ideals of beauty, from immaculately curated images of perfection to raw, authentic portrayals.
The Filter Effect: Improvement of Reality vs. Its Distortion
The channels through which social media has come to influence ideals of beauty are mainly filters and photo-editing tools. Filters smooth out skin, whiten teeth, reshape facial features, and in doing so, generate idealistic versions of reality that are normally impossible to attain in real life. For many users, these tools become a way to improve their appearance but feed the distorted perception of beauty.
Filters are so attractive to the users themselves because of the instant nature of their gratification. Do a few taps. et voilà, there will be that idealized image of oneself by conventional beauty standards. This would be very empowering and lots of fun, but at the same time, it opens up a whole box of questions on authenticity and self-esteem. The constant exposure to these filtered images only helps in developing unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction in people about the way they look.
Psychological Effects
The psychological effect of social media in terms of beauty standards underestimates itself. More than a dozen studies have found that frequent exposure to idealized images on social media relates to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. In this sense, one could compare themselves to the influencers/celebrities who post non-attainable standards, and then they feel even worse about themselves or act to change their appearance to look like that standard.
This could further instigate the dangerous behaviors of extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and even cosmetic procedures. Through social media, these pressures increased, as users sought validation and approval in the form of likes, comments, and followers.
Authenticity vs. Perception: Striking a Balance
While social media has been a problem on its own, recently, the trend has been for authenticity and inclusivity in the beauty industry. In turn, with many influencers and brands currently heading towards the notion of natural beauty and body positivity, the traditional definition of beauty has been defied, and self-love for differences is inculcated among people.
With the growth of body-positive movements and campaigns, social attitudes have started moving towards a more diverse beauty standard in the limelight. With increasing numbers of celebrities and influencers posting unfiltered and unretouched images, this makes for a very real portrait of beauty.
CASE STUDY: Navigating the Digital Landscape
For that very reason, in this ever-thriving and fast-moving realm of social media, one must move through it with a filter. One realizes most of those photos are systematically planned or edited to reduce harm from unreal beauty standards. Engage with content that celebrates diversity, and that will help keep a healthy perspective on beauty.
There should be more concentration on self-care and self-acceptance. This would automatically make the body image healthier. The intake of filtered images should be minimal, and having a company of friends who accept natural beauty would, in turn, keep the mind healthy.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, social media has changed the way beauty standards are set and viewed. But, at the same time, as filters and editing tools enhance looks, they also create unrealistic ideals that may impact self-esteem and mental health. It is this increasing emphasis on authenticity and inclusivity that gives some hope for a more well-rounded or diverse definition of beauty. Critical and embracing authenticity through social media, on the one hand, eases the process of shaping a healthier relationship with one’s beauty and the inclusive digital world.
