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To not understand how everyone on insta and tiktok is so beautiful

63 replies

Travellingminimouse · 27/01/2026 16:25

Is it really just filters? I know a lot of them are young which probably helps but when I look around in real life most people are just normal. I rarely see people I would say are exceptionally attractive - is that because they are all too busy posting on social media to be out and about?!

On insta / tik tok they are everywhere, these people who look like models. No wonder it is so detrimental for our young people because it’s making me feel bad about myself and really I’m old enough to know better.

AIBU to just not understand how it’s possible? They can’t all be filtered?

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FMLGFastMovingLuxuryGoods · 27/01/2026 16:30

My adult niece also looks completely different on Instagram than she does in real life. Which is a shame because side she’s gorgeous IRL and doesn’t need the filters

FMLGFastMovingLuxuryGoods · 27/01/2026 16:29

Yep filters.

My oldest friend, who is a lesbian, recently split from her wife and went on a Women seeking Women dating app. She couldn’t believe how many gorgeous women she was connecting with. Until she went on a few dates and had to check it was definitely them as they looked so different. Not to mention on of them was a man (identifying as a woman). She showed me his app pictures - you’d honestly never have known he’s male. but she said she was just sitting awkwardly in a bar with a very obvious man wearing a shorter skirt than she wore thinking of how to safely escape

ImSweetEnough · 27/01/2026 16:29

I used to work with a woman who has quite an Instagram following. She looks completely different in her online photos so I think must use filters even in photos that aren't especially close up.

She comes across on Instagram as extremely confident but at work, she was the complete opposite.

Crikeyalmighty · 27/01/2026 16:29

When its your job’ to look great, you prioritise it and use all the tricks -

Cocolapew · 27/01/2026 16:29

.

To not understand how everyone on insta and tiktok is so beautiful
To not understand how everyone on insta and tiktok is so beautiful
To not understand how everyone on insta and tiktok is so beautiful
To not understand how everyone on insta and tiktok is so beautiful
Thepeopleversuswork · 27/01/2026 16:28

Erm, filters? and photoshop?

Plus the demographic of people who use TikTok and Instagram skews towards younger people anyway.

It's not surprising really.

Caerulea · 27/01/2026 16:28

If you, an adult, are having to ask this then imagine the incredible damage this is doing to young women. And men, too!

Stonecoldhandswarmheart · 27/01/2026 16:27

Filters. My 17 year old dd is very attractive irl but on tik tok she looks absolutely stunning. Although for some reason I still look like the witch from Snow White lol!

Catwoman8 · 27/01/2026 16:27

Sadly most of it comes down to filters and AI, some people go so far with it they don't look like the same person in real life.

Pinepeak2434 · 27/01/2026 16:26

I have a relative who I don’t see often, but whenever I do I always forget how different she looks in real life without her IG filters

JudgeJ · 27/01/2026 16:26

Plenty of slap, filters, lighting.

Cocolapew · 27/01/2026 16:26

Filters and Photoshop

MidnightPatrol · 27/01/2026 16:25

Filters