In the age of social media, the pressure to present a flawless appearance has never been higher. With hundreds of millions of users turning to beauty filters daily to alter their appearance on apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, experts are sounding the alarm about the potential harm these filters may inflict on the mental health and self-esteem of teenage girls.
The Allure and Danger of Digital Enhancements
Beauty filters, which can instantly elongate faces, erase blemishes, plump lips, and extend eyelashes far beyond what makeup can achieve, have become a ubiquitous part of the social media experience. While some see these digital enhancements as a fun way to experiment with their appearance, others, particularly vulnerable teenage girls, may find their self-worth tied to an unattainable, filtered ideal.
According to a close source, a recent investigation into the feelings of nearly 200 teenagers and parents across several countries found that girls were especially “susceptible to feelings of low self-worth” as a result of their online experiences with beauty filters. This revelation has prompted TikTok to announce new worldwide restrictions on children’s access to filters that mimic the effects of cosmetic surgery.
The Pressure to Conform
Dr. Claire Pescott, an educationist who has studied the impact of social media on 10 and 11-year-olds, emphasizes that the dangers extend beyond the well-known risks of internet safety. “Comparing ourselves with others is having more of an emotional effect,” she warns, recounting how one child confessed, “I wish I was wearing a filter right now,” when unhappy with their appearance.
The pressure to conform to an idealized, filtered appearance is not limited to teenage girls. Olga Isupova, a Russian digital artist who designs beauty filters, argues that having an adapted face is a necessary part of navigating the digital age. “For many people [online] is a very competitive arena and it’s about Darwinism,” she asserts, suggesting that a “corrected face” is essential for success in one’s social media life.
The Mental Health Toll
While some individuals may be resilient to the influence of beauty filters, experts warn that vulnerable teenagers are more prone to feeling inadequate when comparing their natural appearance to filtered images. Prof Sonia Livingstone, a professor of social psychology, argues that the pressures and social comparisons resulting from image-manipulated social media may have an even greater effect on mental health than exposure to violence.
“Some kids are resilient and see these images and say ugh, that’s a filter but those that are more vulnerable … are prone to feeling bad when they see it. We’re seeing more evidence that teenage girls are feeling vulnerable about how they look.”
– Prof Sonia Livingstone
Recent studies support these concerns, with one small study of Snapchat-using schoolgirls in Delhi finding that most reported “a reduction in self-esteem, experiencing feelings of inadequacy when juxtaposing their natural appearance with their filtered images.” Another inquiry into the views of over 300 Belgian adolescents found a link between the use of face filters and an increased likelihood of accepting the idea of cosmetic surgery.
The Need for Balance and Awareness
As social media platforms grapple with the challenge of balancing user safety and expression, experts emphasize the need for careful research into the social and psychological consequences of beauty filters. Jeremy Bailenson, the founding director of Stanford University’s virtual human interaction lab, stresses the importance of striking a “careful balance between regulation and concerns about wellbeing.”
While TikTok’s decision to restrict access to certain filters for young users is a step in the right direction, the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen. With one in five 8 to 16-year-olds admitting to lying about their age on social media apps, age verification rules set to take effect next year may prove crucial in protecting vulnerable teens.
As the debate surrounding beauty filters and their impact on teen mental health continues, it is clear that raising awareness and fostering open dialogue about the pressures and unrealistic expectations perpetuated by these digital enhancements will be essential in promoting a healthier online environment for all.
