has been an issue for as long as people have been trying to make themselves look more attractive to others, but the issue has taken on an interesting spin recently thanks to the rise of filter beauty. So what exactly is filtered beauty? Itβs the practice of taking your own photos (whether you take them with your phone or get them professionally done) and altering them before sharing them on social mediaβto make yourself look thinner, skinnier, or more model-like in general, or just plain better than you actually do in person. But could filter beauty go too far?
#filter
Cosmetic procedures are all over Instagram
Double-tap and itβs right there in your face. While plastic surgery is on a steep decline across the country, one type of cosmetic surgery is rising: breast augmentation. In 2016, 2.3 million women underwent breast augmentation with an average cost of $4,255 per procedure. Itβs clear why women are going under the knife: having larger breasts can greatly boost confidence and self-esteem. But if youβre considering cosmetic procedures to get ahead professionally, you might want to think again.
Are we being realistic?
For years, women have tried to improve their appearance in a variety of ways: dieting and exercising to lose weight, wearing makeup to make themselves appear more attractive, etc. A movement called filter beauty has quickly taken hold on social media and may be taking things a step too far. With filter beauty, women are choosing to digitally alter their photos in order to appear thinner or prettier (i.e., filters such as SkinneePix). Doctors worry that some young girls might think that using these apps is an acceptable alternative for actual health and beauty improvements. Encourage your friends to eat well and exercise often instead of relying on technology for help. You’ll look better without any filters needed!
Is it healthy?
How can you avoid the effects of filter beauty and still look like your best self on Instagram?
The best way to avoid filter beauty is to refuse to see yourself as you see yourself. Filter beauty is a bias that allows us to create in our minds an image of ourselves that exists outside of reality. It’s based on our desires, not on what’s actually there. To manage it, we have to acknowledge it and be aware of when we are guilty of thinking in terms of filter beauty. And then we have to do something about it–because filter beauty can lead down a slippery slope into eating disorders and body dysmorphia, which are far less healthy than not knowing what you actually look like.
So whatβs a girl to do if she wants both physical health and Instagram-ready looks at the same time?
Itβs not quite possible to give your skin what it needs and still get a super-smooth complexion. But there is one beauty fix that can help you look younger and achieve clear, glowing skin while also supporting your health: collagen supplements. Collagen is an extremely important protein that promotes smooth, supple skin. Itβs also critical for keeping your digestive system healthy, as well as promoting good joint health. An easy way to supplement collagen would be through food sources such as red meat, seafood, legumes, and dairy products. However, if you struggle with digesting these foods or want more immediate results there are plenty of collagen supplements available on the market today.
The future of cosmetic surgery as it relates to social media.
Cosmetic surgery is becoming more common; in 2015, 20.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed in America, a 10% increase from 2014 and almost double what was performed in 2000. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that’s likely because of a renewed interest in cosmetic procedures – especially since social media has become more prominent. Last year marked a change, as Snapchat and Instagram took over Facebook and Twitter when it came to popularity among 18-24-year-olds. Even so, medical procedures like breast augmentation remain popular among women who want to look their best for online photos. Is all of this plastic surgery going too far or are we finally moving into an era where people will be happier with themselves than ever before?
Love yourself first – but don’t forget about taking care of yourself, too.
I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times, but loving yourself is important. You should be your number one priority and make sure that you’re treating yourself right. That doesn’t mean spending tons of money on plastic surgery, but it does mean making time for taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you want to be healthy, treat yourself in a healthy way; don’t just focus on weight loss or dieting. Eat well-balanced meals and live your life in a way that makes you happy. It’s all about balance!
Would you ever undergo plastic surgery in order to enhance your Instagram posts?
According to a report from Medical Daily, people are turning to plastic surgery in order to look better in selfies and Instagram photos. Social media can be addictive, but does look good for your followers to take things too far? Filters make everything better: Take #filterbeauty, for example. The hashtag is used on Instagram to showcase bodies that have been photoshopped or are simply altered thanks to filters. Look #healthybeauty (and tag it with an orange filter). It highlights food filtered with orange, which makes it appear healthier than it is. Then there are #prettylittlelies, which takes beautiful Instagram photos and adds behind-the-scenes images of what actually happened behind those pretty shotsβitβs hilarious.
