While there certainly are many benefits to social media, it is also important to be aware of the issues that it has created and question the negative impact that it is having on many people’s mental health. One of the most notable ways that social media has done this is by increasing the pressure of beauty standards with people wanting to look their best with so much of their life online and comparing themselves to others. So what is the rise of the ‘Instagram Face’?
*This is a collaborative post.
Beauty Pressures
People always want to look their best which is understandable, but people live their lives in public in a different way with the rise of social media and this is a pressure that is felt largely by the younger generations. This pressure is one thing, but there is another worrying trend that has arisen which has been the rise of what is being called ‘The Instagram Face’ which is a single aesthetic with plump lips, constructed eyebrows and heavily contoured faces.
Unrealistic Standards
Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian are often seen as the benchmark for this aesthetic, but the problem is that it is not a natural look and one that is largely achieved through cosmetic surgery. Consequently, young women develop dangerous self-esteem issues where they are not happy with their appearance and want to appear the same as the masses or “Instagram Face”. Obviously, there is no one definition of beauty and people striving for one look is not a celebration of diversity which has been one of the best aspects of the platform in recent times.
Not Just a Female Issue
It is not just women that are developing self-esteem issues and going to drastic measures to meet up to unrealistic beauty standards, though, as many men are also pandering to the ‘Instagram Face’ and opting to have cosmetic surgery. Lip fillers, cheek enhancements and non-surgical rhinoplasties are all increasing in popularity leading to a homogenised ideal of beauty.
Self-Esteem Issues
People comparing themselves to others is not something new, but with more and more people striving for one version of beauty it is a slippery slope and it is clear that there is a deep problem with self-esteem in today’s day and age. Cosmetic surgery is a big decision to make and one which carefully needs to be considered, but if it helps people to lead happier lives where they have greater self-esteem then it can be helpful.
It is important that people are aware of these dangers and understand that often what they are seeing online is not a realistic or natural version of beauty and they should try to stop comparing themselves to others. Do you think an ‘Instagram Face’ is damaging? Let me know in the comments below.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
