Picture Perfect

 

Social media has become a big deal. More than 40% of the world’s population use online social media. While there are some positives to social media, there come many negatives. For me as a Gen Z, platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram have become a large part of my life. While snapchat filters may seem cute and harmless, they can be detrimental to a person’s wellbeing over time. Even photoshop apps. Body dysmorphia is a very real condition that causes an obsession with perceived flaws, even imaginary ones and social media has been a significant contributor to this behaviour.

 

This behaviour is negative because people like influencers that others look up to are using these apps and platforms to alter their appearances that are unattainable to reality. This then defines the standards of beauty that girls and women measure themselves against. This leads to more people wanting to alter their appearances through cosmetic surgery. In 2018, the total amount of procedures in just Australia was 202,642. The sad part is most of them were teens or those in their early twenties.

 

Human dignity is what is lacking here. Human life is sacred because the human person is the most central and clearest reflection of God. Human beings have great worth and value that comes from God (Caritas n.d.). If people realise that human life is not about comparing yourself to others or using platforms to alter your appearance, then this problem would not occur amongst many others.

 

These editing tricks might be known as the Kardashian effect. The Kardashians are a famous family who are well-known for their many editing and cosmetic enhancements. However, a few years ago, it was discovered that Kim Kardashians suffered from body dysmorphia. Kim said that she had suffered extreme anxiety when going out, thinking that her appearance was not pleasant enough. In her case, social media was a significant contributor to her dysmorphia, and she said a break from social media is exactly what she needed. It shows that body dysmorphia can happen to even the ones people look up to as beauty icons.  

 

There are many consequences that come from Social Media Dysmorphia. The question is whether social media users are aware that these images of average, everyday people are altered using newer digital filters? This lack of awareness can lead to a decrease in the wellbeing of a person or cause many young people to change their appearance. In some situations, dysmorphia has led to different forms of self-harm.

 

 Social media dysmorphia is a huge problem and is only going to get larger if no actions are taken. People with this disorder will need all the help they can get. From practicing the appropriate and safe use of social media, to removing certain hashtags and feed material, we can make social media a safer place for everyone.

 

Click here for more information.

 

What has been your negative experience online? What can be done to improve matters? Join the conversation.