In the era of social media, the definition of beauty has undergone a profound transformation. Filters, edits, and carefully curated images dominate our online spaces, creating an illusion of flawlessness that can leave us questioning our own worth. This blog post delves into the impact of social media on beauty standards and explores the importance of embracing authenticity and redefining beauty in its unfiltered form.

The Illusion of Perfection

The myriad of ways to edit photos online is worrying. It is fair to say that we do not know what is real and what is false anymore. With AI becoming increasingly prominent in the world of digital marketing and content creation, this becomes even scarier.

This all contributes to setting unrealistic standards of beauty. We have maybe surpassed the era of size zero models wearing nothing on catwalks, but that doesn’t mean that big brands and celebrities don’t share this online.

But the blame is really on ourselves. We succumb ourselves to doomscrolling, which refers to the habit of continuously and obsessively scrolling through negative news or distressing information on social media. As I am sure you are aware, doomscrolling can contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress, and a sense of helplessness, as individuals become immersed in a constant barrage of distressing information.

When we put this into practice, there are heavy psychological effects of constantly seeing flawlessly edited images online. I am here today to remind you that social media images do not represent the entirety of a person’s life, and you do not know what is behind the picture, nor how much time (and money) was spent on editing it.

Embracing Authenticity

Redefining beauty in the age of social media starts with embracing authenticity. True beauty lies in the genuine, unfiltered aspects of ourselves – our imperfections, vulnerabilities, and unique qualities. Instead of striving for an unrealistic standard, let’s celebrate the authenticity that makes us human. Embracing imperfections fosters a sense of connection and relatability that transcends the superficial.

Self-Love in the Face of Comparison

The constant exposure to carefully curated images can lead to unhealthy comparisons, negatively impacting self-esteem. Instead of measuring our worth against the highlight reels of others, let’s focus on cultivating self-love. Acknowledge your unique strengths, experiences, and individuality. Remember that you are more than the sum of your likes and followers.

Creating a Positive Online Space

Who is in control of social media? That’s right, us. We can control what we post and the messages we foster behind our content.

Start by following accounts that promote positivity, authenticity, and self-love. Engage in conversations that challenge narrow beauty ideals. This is the only way that we can change the narrative on social media. The power is in our hands.

In Conclusion

Even though our lives seem to be controlled by social media, it is our duty to avoid comparison and live our lives authentically. We need to work together to champion the beauty found in the unfiltered, unapologetic reality, regardless of what anyone else is doing. Plus, it is up to us, as a collective, to redefine beauty standards to celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, and to ensure that the next generation do not fall victim of these unmeetable expectations when they grow up.