We’ve all been guilty of taking pictures solely for Instagram and not using them because they didn’t seem good enough. This is the age of digital expression, and our online presence is critical—or so we’re made to believe.

Instagram is a widely used visual platform. Amidst its curated perfection is a troubling reality: the perpetuation of unattainable beauty standards. 

As Instagram’s sway grows, especially among the young, it’s crucial to unpack its impact on self-esteem. Let’s explore Instagram’s profound influence on our perceptions of beauty and the quest for validation in the digital age.

Prevalence of Edited Photos, Filters, and the Algorithm

Instagram lets users sculpt their online personas to match their desired aesthetic.

With a few clicks, individuals can blur away perceived flaws, create exaggerated proportions, and adhere to narrow definitions of beauty perpetuated by social media. This relentless pursuit of perfection fosters a distorted perception of reality, often at the expense of authenticity and self-acceptance.

Users are now pursuing legal action due to mental health issues arising out of the need to constantly strive to look better. The Instagram lawsuit momentum has led to increased scrutiny. These are attempts to create stricter regulations across social media platforms. Parents are actively seeking ways to protect their children from potential harm and advocate for a safer online environment for all users.

Numerous studies highlight the detrimental effects of exposure to heavily edited images on body image and self-esteem. Research conducted by the American Psychological Association found that viewing idealized images on social media platforms like Instagram can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, particularly among young women.

Moreover, popular influencers and celebrities often perpetuate these unrealistic beauty standards. Examples abound, with influencers known for their meticulously edited content, which includes heavily airbrushed skin, exaggerated curves, and impossibly perfect features. For instance, Kim Kardashian, one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram, has faced criticism for her heavily edited photos. Similarly, influencers like Kylie Jenner and James Charles have come under fire for promoting unrealistic beauty standards through their heavily filtered and edited content.

As per TruLaw, families contend that Instagram’s algorithms prioritize content with high engagement, often showing a preference for posts from students that accumulate a substantial number of likes and comments. 

This focus on popularity within student circles can foster a pattern where they seek validation through online interactions. Consequently, these students may develop a notable reliance on external approval to assess their self-worth, resulting in rapid effects on their mental well-being.

There exists a mounting surge of legal actions initiated by state and local authorities against tech platforms, alleging deceptive practices that exploit children’s vulnerability to addiction. A Maryland school district lodged a lawsuit last June against social media companies, citing their role in exacerbating a “mental health crisis.” Last fall, Meta faced lawsuits from numerous state governments, accusing the company of misleading the public regarding the potential harm its services pose to young users.

The Impact On Young Minds

Young users are particularly vulnerable to the impact of social media on self-image, as they are in a crucial stage of identity formation and are often highly impressionable. The pervasive presence of idealized images on platforms like Instagram can significantly influence their perceptions of beauty and self-worth. Adolescents, in particular, may internalize unrealistic beauty standards presented on social media, leading to dissatisfaction with their appearance and a distorted sense of self.

Since March 2020, executives at Facebook have been aware of Instagram’s potential to negatively impact teenagers’ body image, as revealed in an internal report by The Wall Street Journal. The report indicates that Instagram has the capacity to exacerbate feelings of body dissatisfaction among teenage users. According to the Journal, Facebook researchers noted that 32% of teenage girls reported feeling worse about their bodies after using Instagram when already experiencing negative body image.

New York City, in collaboration with its schools and public hospital system, has filed a lawsuit alleging that these platforms cultivate an addictive atmosphere that worsens the childhood mental health crisis, causing disruptions in learning and depleting resources. 

The lawsuit highlights the widespread addiction to these platforms among youth, with an emphasis on the vulnerability of children and adolescents due to their still-developing brains. 

The filing, submitted in a California superior court, outlines the detrimental effects on the nation’s largest school district, necessitating responses such as counseling for anxiety and depression and the development of curricula addressing social media’s impact and online safety. Mayor Eric Adams’ office noted that the city allocates over $100 million annually to youth mental health programs and services.

Social media platforms are a breeding ground for comparison among young users, who are constantly bombarded with images of seemingly flawless peers and influencers. This constant exposure to idealized beauty contributes to feelings of inadequacy as young individuals endeavor to meet unattainable standards. Furthermore, the pressure to conform to these unrealistic ideals can result in a myriad of adverse outcomes, including diminished self-esteem, dissatisfaction with one’s body, and the development of disordered eating behaviors.

The long-term consequences of internalizing unrealistic beauty standards at a young age can be profound and far-reaching. Research has shown that adolescents who are dissatisfied with their body image are at greater risk of developing eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders later in life. 

Potential Solutions and Interventions

Unlike medications or cigarettes, social media platforms do not come with warning labels. However, the recent leak of Instagram’s internal research in September has heightened awareness of the need for caution when engaging with the platform.

Experts recommend taking breaks from the app, such as spending several hours away from it by placing the phone in another room, activating airplane mode, or disabling notifications.

Concerned parents are cautioned against outright banning or excessively restricting their teens’ social media usage. Instead, they are encouraged to engage in open discussions with their children about the potential harms and benefits. Initiating conversations with open-ended questions, such as asking how certain content makes them feel and whether they can discern the authenticity of images, can be a constructive approach.

Promoting critical thinking about online content is essential. Research suggests that youth with strong media literacy skills are less likely to experience self-esteem and body image issues.

In conclusion, Instagram’s influence on body image and self-esteem cannot be overstated. We must continue to address body image issues on social media platforms and work towards creating a healthier online environment for all users. By emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, celebrating diverse beauty, and advocating for transparency in content creation, we can empower individuals to cultivate a positive self-image and embrace their unique identities.

With time, ongoing research and advocacy efforts are essential for promoting a more inclusive and supportive online community. Through collaboration, we can cultivate an environment of acceptance and equip individuals to engage with social media in a manner that enhances their mental health and overall well-being.

The post Filtered Faces: Unrealistic Beauty Standards in the Social Media Era appeared first on The Digital Weekly.