With social media further ruling the lives of adolescents, fears are being raised over the ill impacts of beauty filters. Experts alert that these so-called innocent weapons are capable of instigating all sorts of mental illnesses, from depression to anxiety and an erroneous perception of one’s own identity.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards Fueling Mental Health Issues
Social media expert Muhammad Hussain has highlighted how overuse of filters can ruin the self-esteem of teenagers. The filtered perfection showcased through filters generates unrealistic standards of beauty. Teenage girls are especially vulnerable to this. “These filters give unrealistic standards of beauty, leading to a warped sense of self-image and constant feelings of inadequacy,” Hussain states.
The Disconnect Between Reality and Perception
The root of the problem is the disconnect that these filters cause between what is real and what is perceived. Teenagers who regularly use filters to make themselves look better start identifying their self-worth with the idealised versions of themselves. This distortion causes them to suffer a negative effect on their mental well-being as they feel compelled to live up to unattainable expectations.
In addition, the continuous need for approval in the form of likes, comments and shares only exacerbates the problem. As Hussain explains, “The constant need for validation through likes and comments can be damaging to their mental health.” This approval-seeking cycle of never being good enough can make teens feel disconnected from their real thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations.
Government Intervention and Parental Responsibility
Realising the risks, the government of India tabled a bill, which imposed an age cap for social media usage from 14 to 16 years. It sought to safeguard young users from the ill effects of too much exposure to social media, including the use of beauty filters, which are harmful. But, is the law really being followed?
Laws alone are never enough. Parents and guardians have to take a proactive role to protect their children’s mental health. Open dialogue regarding the dangers of social media, a healthy body image and good online practices are all part of the solution.
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Embracing Authenticity Over Perfection
Ultimately, the solution is to cultivate a mindset that appreciates authenticity over superficial perfection. As society increasingly becomes aware of the darker aspects of social media filters, it’s important to steer teenagers toward accepting their authentic selves — blemishes and all.
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