Often people compare their appearance to others, seeing them as the “ideal type”. But with the advent of social media and popular beauty filters, the ideal type has shifted to beauty filters. Instead of comparing themselves to other people, people are now starting to see virtual filters that slim down their faces and bodies as the true standard of beauty.
A study published in Computers in Human Behavior examines how social media filters with slimming features exacerbate self-image issues, leading to body dysmorphia and unrealistic beauty standards. The researchers called this phenomenon “social self-comparison.”
Social self-comparison
Beauty used to be compared to other people. But now the comparison is against the “other self”, the digitally enhanced versions. It almost sounds like an episode of Black Mirror.
Beauty filter evens skin texture, removes acne, tones and contours the body, narrows the face and completely changes the appearance. These filters digitally alter a person’s appearance by blurring all “imperfections.” As a result, comparisons are now made between the real person and the digital version, with the digital version becoming more desirable than the real one.
The study surveyed 187 participants, dividing them into three groups: those who used a slimming filter on their own image, those who watched another person use the same filter, and those who used a neutral filter that did not changes appearance. Participants completed questionnaires and responses were evaluated to understand the relationship between social media filters and anti-fat attitudes.
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Attitudes against fat
Those who expose themselves to social media filters and lose weight through digital means take an anti-fat stance, according to the findings. They are negative about their appearance and want to lose weight. The gap between the digitally enhanced self and the real self creates a gap. They are dissatisfied with their appearance and develop thoughts about body dysmorphia.
The researchers also made another surprising finding that these people tended to self-objectify, placing more importance on beauty and appearance than on other traits. Intellectual traits are inferior to physical ones. This creates tunnel vision that focuses solely on appearance, tying all self-esteem to physical beauty. Ironically, these people also suffer from fatphobia, as it turns out they don’t like overweight people.
For them, slimness is a positive indicator associated with everything positive, from success to happiness. Research shows how disturbing these digital weight loss tools are because they foster stereotypes in those who use them.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about body dysmorphia
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
