A new survey reveals apps like Instagram and Snapchat promoting unrealistic beauty standards is responsible for an increase in plastic surgeries.
By Romy Hansen
According to a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, “one in three facial plastic surgeons surveyed saw an increase in requests for procedures due to patients being more self-aware of looks in social media.”
This increase correlates directly with the rise of apps like Instagram and Snapchat, which promote unrealistic beauty standards by offering a variety of tools and filters to alter the appearance of photos. Dr. Christopher Johnsson, a world-renowned plastic surgeon at 10 Harley Street, says that many of his patients seek cosmetic enhancements to “look more like digitally altered images of themselves”.
The addition of a faltering filter is almost second nature for most social media users. 68-year-old fashion blogger Suzi Grant says: “Yes, of course, I love a good filter on Instagram. The whole idea of the platform is to create a pretty collection of photos and what better way to make anything look more beautiful?”
The constant flow of altered images on social media feeds means the average person is comparing themselves to unachievable ideals. This has not only lead to an increase in plastic surgery but a serious mental health crisis.
Last year, the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK released its #StatusOfMind report, analysing the impact of social media on mental health. The results revealed the majority of Snapchat and Instagram users felt it negatively impacted their depression, anxiety and self-esteem.
The Royal Society has suggested apps should be forced to signify when images have been manipulated to make users more aware; a suggestion that 68% of respondents support
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