Social Concept

The danger of social media and visual effects.

Social media has grown in popularity since it’s first introduction via online forums and chat software. Web and phone applications have become modern tools for chatting with friends and posting updates about one’s daily life. Apps like Instagram are known to promote users that frequently use photo editing apps which may give their fans an unrealistic, more beautiful version of the uploader. This has begun to present a new danger to users of such applications.
Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are all symptoms one may find themselves possessing with frequent use of social media. While there may be other causes of these issues, it is important to consider the negative impact that visual media may cause users. The abuse of photo filters and cosmetic surgery photo apps has been proven to be harmful to the mental health of the young people that consume media involving said applications.

Young girls often idolize those who are commonly known now as “Instagram Influencers.” Many popular users of this app edit their photos to seem more visually appealing. Blemishes and imperfections can be erased from one’s face. Plastic surgery can be obtained temporarily while applying a filter to one’s own photos. Bodies are morphed into unrealistic shapes. All of these influence the minds of those who see them. While some are aware of the editing done to such photos, young minds are unable to distinguish between an altered photograph and reality. This sets unrealistic expectations for one’s own appearance as they may seek to imitate the people featured in these edits. This causes a great deal of mental harm as these edits are often impossible to achieve in real life and these goals are permanently unachievable. Currently, Instagram is taking steps towards re-evaluating their policy on photo editing apps in order to prevent the negative mental health effects these applications can cause.

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