The effect of filters on the new generation

[artsandcrafts18]

Not sure if this is an AIBU or not but I've been thinking today about how much of a negative impact social media filters (or all filters) have on people - especially young girls/women

It's so easy now to snap a filter on your photos that drastically change your appearance. You can remove blemishes, airbrush, whiten your teeth, sculpt your structures and change your figure within a few clicks

I wonder if there is a direct link between this and young women getting more and more plastic surgery? I can't remember when I was young knowing many of my friends having plastic surgery, but now days I see so many young women getting fillers, implants, veneers etc...as if it's the same as getting highlights!

When you're constantly using a filter on your photos surely some body dysmorphia starts to happen where you don't see your real body as your own - because you're editing it and publicising it as something different. So when you look in the mirror you don't see who you "want" yourself to be.

Not much can be done I know, and it's part of the world of technology - but it makes me sad that these young women aren't being encouraged (or have the confidence) to love themselves for themselves and are going through some form of surgery so young which they'll have to keep up for a long time

Absolutely agree this is a major problem or problem in the making.

I'm glad I'm not alone in it. I have two young DC and I always worry about the impact this will have on them. I know every generation has gone through peer pressure and social media to an extent, but it just worries me how easily accessible it is and how far some people go to fulfil the "perfect image"

I think in a decade or so we'll see the real impact it's had x

It's truly worrying, and a glaring indication that we still value women on their looks above all else. I feel like I'm from a different planet these days, as I don't think fillers or Botox or boob jobs make people look better in any way. They just look like they've had work done. And their faces are frozen, negatively affecting human interaction.
It maybe only looks "better" (in the opinion of the person who's had the work done) in selfies, but that does not translate to real life, and the cold light of day.
My hairdresser has had loads done and constantly posts selfies where she looks COMPLETELY different to real life. A different person, who you would not recognise if you'd only seen online photos .
It's dangerously close to becoming the norm, as you say, like having the latest eyebrow style, but with the addition of physical alterations to your body.
Could be partly a status thing as well? "I can afford to have this done", in the same way as having the right trainers, phone etc?
It does not look good, it is not empowering and I hate it!