Beauty Filters: How They Alter Your View of Yourself and The World

Beauty filters are digital tools that use artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies to alter and enhance the appearance of someone’s face in real-time. They use machine learning algorithms and computer vision technology to identify and map facial features. They then superimpose digitally generated layers onto a user’s face to smooth out skin, contour face shape, resize facial features like eyes and lips or even apply virtual makeup. Some advanced filters can adjust lighting and color balances to give the illusion of professional-grade photography (Forbes).

It’s no secret, social media filters alter our expectations. Beauty filters on social apps are known for highlighting Euro-centric beauty features or sometimes completely changing our faces. Because of this, many people become dissatisfied with their own features, especially those who identify as women. Here are 5 things you should know about the dangers of beauty filters:

1. Filters affect all age groups: 32% of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse and among teens who reported suicidal thoughts, 13% of British users and 6% of American users traced the issue to Instagram. Children and adults of all ages shared that they are ashamed of posting photographs of themselves without the use of filters (InStyle).

2. Filtering influences plastic surgery: “Studies show that social media significantly influences plastic surgery trends, and people are bringing photos of their filtered selves as their inspiration pictures” (InStyle).

3. Filters impact mental health: “Experts say there is a direct link between social media filters and lower self-esteem, self-confidence, and higher cases of body dysmorphia.” According to Dr. Josie Howard, “People begin to expect themselves to look like their filtered self and can become obsessed with achieving that in the real world, which leaves them depressed, anxious, lonely, and disappointed” (InStyle)

4. Filtering can trigger loneliness

5. Filters can affect you subconsciously: Apps subconsciously implant the thought of imperfection and ugliness which generates a loss of confidence. They can also remind people of painful times in their lives or highlight their insecurities, and consequently, heighten symptoms of depression and anxiety (InStyle).

Sources: Forbes (Picture Perfect: The Hidden Consequences Of AI Beauty Filters), InStyle (6 Consequences of Social Media Filters, According to Experts)