The necessity to look a certain way has been etched into all our minds because of social media. The idea of ‘perfection’ depends on one’s perception. But this is almost becoming unanimous lately. We see our favorite celebrities on social media platforms like Instagram and snapchat and try to replicate their lives. We have set an impossible beauty standard for ourselves: perfection. Social media was originally created to connect people. Now, it’s being used almost as a tool of validation for yourself. For every activity we do in our lives, we seek validation from the rest of the world.
In the article, ‘The Age of Instagram Face’ by The New Yorker, we get a clear idea of the current situation in the world with respect to beauty. The examples of Instagram pages like ‘Celebface’, gives us an insight into the actual problem in our society. We all gaze at celebrities and their ‘perfect’ bodies, ‘perfect’ lifestyles and feel bad about ourselves. While reality is far beyond what they portray on social media. Nobody is perfect. It’s easy to say these things but we have to accept that it is true. Everyone could have a different idea of perfection. So, we need to stop making perfection a norm. Like the old saying, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
We have made ourselves like commodities. The truth behind these celebrities and social media influencers could be lip fillers, Botox and other plastic surgeries or unrealistic applications like FaceTune. One may argue that plastic surgeries could just be to empower oneself. I think that while it could just be to empower yourself, don’t preach it. If you want to have a surgery, do it. Don’t try to make others feel bad about themselves. Whether that be conscious or unconscious. There are some people who may really want a surgery but cannot afford it. We have to remember that there are people from different walk of life. When we say we are influencers, we must include people from all walks of life. The ‘perfect’ image that they try to portray affects a lot of other people unknowingly.
Anything a celebrity tries becomes a trend. In order to keep up with these trends, we tend to create fake versions. Some sell that on social media for fame. There are many people who get plastic surgeries done to duplicate their favorite celebrity. Example, Sahar Tabar whowith the help of plastic surgery completely transformed her face to that of Angelina Jolie. Sadly, it didn’t end well. We see celebrities like Kylie Jenner looking perfect at all times or other influencers copying her and looking gorgeous while doing it. When we notice such trends and then look at ourselves in the mirror, it is obvious to feel insecure. However sensible a person you may be, it is possible to feel insecure. I’ve felt the same as well. I always thought I am too chubby to ever look that good. But recently I came across @danaemercer on Instagram. She is the most real person I have seen. She shows exactly how some celebs and influencers manipulate us. Her page gave me a lot of perspective. I believe she is one of the only actual ‘influencers’ we need in our lives.
In an article by The Breeze, they address the reason why some people try to depict an illusion of themselves online. It says that we shield others from the imperfections in our lives. Most people hide behind a façade and use social media as a ‘coping mechanism’ to hide their own hardships. Sure, that could be your way of coping. But don’t make yourself seem so unrealistically ‘perfect’ that you end up making other’s lives hard. They also mention how if this continues to persist, it’s possible that people will have very unrealistic ideas of beauty that will lead to more insecurity. I believe that social media usage has to be bounded to a certain extent so that it remains helpful and does not turn toxic.
In conclusion, in the process of changing ourselves to fit the standards of the society, we are commodifying ourselves. We create a certain image to seem perfect. In the process, we lose our originality. Some of us sell ourselves on social media for validation. I am not saying that we shouldn’t use filters or that we shouldn’t follow trends. If you want, do it. But don’t preach anything and please try not to make life harder for others.
Bibliography:www.breezejmu.org,www.newyorker.com