Beauty filters and our complicated relationship with them

In this digital age of selfies and social media, it seems like everyone is looking for the perfect photo filter to make them look their best. But what are the implications of using these filters? Are we hiding our true selves behind a mask of perfection, or are we simply trying to express ourselves in the way that we feel most comfortable? Read on to explore the complicated relationship between beauty filters and self-expression.

As we spend more and more time in the digital world, it seems like beauty filters are taking over our lives. These tools allow us to alter our appearance in ways that may be both appealing and unsettling: they can make us look thinner, brighter, and more flawless than we actually are. Many of us find ourselves turning to these filters as a way to present a more idealized version of ourselves to the world.

But what does this obsession with perfection say about our relationship with self-expression and identity? Are we hiding behind these filters, or are they simply part of how we choose to express ourselves? And what impact do these images have on our perception of beauty, as well as the way we see ourselves?

What do beauty filters do?

Beauty filtering, filter your face in real time to be closer to the current beauty standards. There are two types of beauty filters: those that smooth out your skin and those that change your features. The first type is designed to reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and other imperfections, while the second type can alter your nose shape, eye size, jawline and more.

While some argue that beauty filters are nothing more than a harmless way to play around with our appearance, others believe that they have damaging effects. They can give us unrealistically high standards of beauty, making it harder for us to accept our own appearances in their natural state. Additionally, some have criticized the idealized images created by filters as promoting unhealthy body ideals and encouraging eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

Despite these potential problems, beauty filters remain popular among many people. Some simply enjoy using them as a way to experiment with their look or to have fun with friends, while others use them as a form of self-expression. However, we choose to engage with these tools, it’s clear that our relationship with beauty filters is a complicated one, as we struggle to balance our desire for self-expression and the need to feel beautiful.

What is the problem with beauty filters?

Heavy filtering may lead to negative impacts and damage the confidence that people have when their defining standard is artificially constructed "perfectly".

Beauty filters present an unattainable standard of perfection that can damage our self-esteem and body confidence. Research has shown that social media can have a negative impact on our body image, as we compare ourselves to the idealized images we see. And when these images are filtered and edited, it’s even harder to measure up.

Additionally, some have argued that filters can promote unhealthy body ideals and contribute to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. They may give us unrealistic ideas about what our bodies should look like and make us feel dissatisfied with our natural appearance.

Despite the potential problems with beauty filters, it seems that many people still find them appealing and continue to use them. Some may simply enjoy the fun and experimentation that filters provide, while others see them as a form of self-expression. However we choose to engage with these tools, it’s clear that our relationship with beauty filters is a complicated one, as we struggle to balance our desire for self-expression and the need to feel beautiful.

Should beauty filters be labelled on social media?

Although beauty filters are used by many, they continue to be a controversial topic. Some argue that these tools should be labelled, so that people on social media are aware that the images they’re seeing have been altered. Others believe that this would be unnecessary, as people should be free to use filters however they want.

There has been a recent call to act towards MPs on the need to have these filters labeled on social media. This call to action has been led by Kim Booker, an advocate for those with like herself with body dysmorphia, who told the Health and Social Care Committee that she's feels that "it should be made very, very transparent that people are using filters or that they've edited or Photoshopped their images". This is alongside supporting increased regulation on social media as well as better regulations on the cosmetic industry as a whole.

When explaining why she believes so strongly in social media being transparent on the use of filters she told MPs “I used to look through hair magazines, and I would pick out a hairstyle that I liked, I’d take it to my hairdresser and I would say ‘I want my hair like this’. Now, you go through Instagram and you take that picture in to people and say ‘I want my face to look like this’.”

Beauty Filters, the Instagram look and cosmetic procedures

Despite the controversy surrounding beauty filters, they continue to be a popular tool. Many people use them as a way to experiment with their look the way they would like without having to undergo invasive cosmetic procedures. It's been noted that the use of filters makes people feel more inclined to have cosmetic surgery procedures done in order to get the look they're striving for without having to do any of the hard work. This leads to people seeking surgeries earlier on in their life, which could prove to be a dangerous trend.

It's been noted by some in the medical profession that this could have damaging effects with young people striving to look a certain way that's ultimately unattainable. There's been an increase in people getting cosmetic surgery procedures to look like their filtered selves. One of the most requested surgeries at the moment is the fox eye surgery, which has blown up due to influencers and beauty filters on TikTok.

Cosmetic procedures themselves are not harmful, it's the way in which people are using them that could be detrimental to their mental health. If people are chasing the impossible standard set by their filtered selves, it means that no mater what the outcome is, they will never be satisfied and this could lead to further problems.

Can these filters ever be used positively?

Despite the potential negative impacts of beauty filters, it’s possible that they could also be used for positive purposes. Some people have suggested that these tools could be used to help with self-esteem issues, as well as promoting body positivity and diversity. For example, a beauty filter that could remove an annoying pimple or blemish could be seen as a way to help people feel more confident in their own skin. Filters that allow you to tweak your hair colour before your next trip to the hairdressers could also be seen as a way to experiment and express yourself without having to make any permanent changes.

There are also fun beauty filters that can be used to just experiment with your look and have a bit of fun. For example, filters that give you cat ears or a dog nose can be used to add a touch of playfulness to your look.

Ultimately, there is no clear answer as to whether or not beauty filters are good or bad. Some people argue that they can have negative impacts on our self-esteem, while others believe that they can be used for positive purposes. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the individual and how they feel about using these filters. If you're comfortable using them, then there's no harm in doing so. However, if you feel like you're relying on them to make you feel good about yourself, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your relationship with them. What do you think? Are beauty filters something that you use or avoid? Do you think that they should be labelled on social media?