Beyond the Filter
Filter fiasco
Social media filters started out as harmless fun—cute dog ears, sparkly crowns, or a pop of color to make our photos stand out. But over time, they’ve evolved into something much deeper. Now, filters can reshape faces, slim noses, smooth skin, and make you look like the best (and sometimes unrecognizable) version of yourself. It feels great in the moment—a boost of confidence, a flood of likes—but what happens when you look in the mirror and don’t see that same "perfect" version staring back? These filters can distort our self-perception in ways that are often subtle and unnoticed, by us at glance. As we continuously scroll through selected streams of faces, on social media platforms it's common to experience feelings of inadequacy or that we fall short. Gradually and unconsciously, we begin to measure ourselves against these airbrushed images even though inside we are aware they do not reflect reality accurately. The difference between our appearance and how we strive to appear can impact our self-confidence negatively and trap us in a cycle of insecurity and discontent.
Why does it matter?
For the generation this situation can be really tough to handle! Teenagers are at a stage where they're trying to discover their identity. Now they have to deal with the pressure of being judged by social media likes and filters! While filters may boost their confidence in the world; in reality they start questioning if their true selves measure up to the standards set by these digital alterations! This constant comparison can build up anxiety and self-doubt over time. This even leads to mental health issues, like body image concerns. Where should we head next? Perhaps it's a moment to pause and reconsider our content strategy moving forward. Let's start sharing those moments without holding and embracing our flaws along the way. It's important to remember that each person behind the screen is valuable just as they are. While filters can enhance things a bit here, they will never overshadow the authenticity of being oneself. By embracing who we are and standing proud, we can help limit the harm filters can bring.
Written by: Eva