Selfies and Filters Affect Self-Esteem

Scientists have confirmed a suspicion that many of us already had: selfies and filters used with various applications can seriously affect self-esteem and self-perception.

People's perception of beauty is constantly changing, and this is happening because the filters used to take a selfie do nothing but maintain the myth of perfection, already promoted by beauty magazines and pictorials published in Photoshop.

Body dysmorphic disorder, popularly known as "uterine syndrome", is affecting more and more young people. This mental disorder is manifested by the developed obsession with a physical defect, but also by the abnormal preoccupation with the impeccable physical appearance. Body dysmorphic disorder is part of the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive

Disorders.

Body dysmorphic disorder is manifested by excessive preoccupation and worry about a physical defect (existing or imaginary). Some researchers describe this condition as a stand-alone disorder, while others consider it a form, a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Psychologists have found that patients diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder often suffer from other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.

Although the structure of the condition is similar to that of obsessive-compulsive disorder, the essential aspect that differentiates them is the specificity of obsessions and compulsions, in the case of dysmorphic disorder they are strictly related to physical appearance.

The symptoms of a body dysmorphic disorder, manifested by a constant concern for the body or a certain part of the body, are self-induced and create a very high level of stress, which often disrupts the person's ability to function.

Thus, those who suffer from this condition occupy their minds and focus exclusively on bodily obsession, and need those around them to calm them down. Although they look in the mirror whenever they have the opportunity, they are constantly dissatisfied and crushed by a feeling of insecurity.

Body dysmorphic disorder, in brief:

• It usually begins in adolescence.

• It can go undiagnosed for a long time because in general, patients rarely seek specialized help to treat it.

• Over 90% of patients suffering from this disorder admit that they are not satisfied with their appearance even after the defect that complicates them is corrected with the help of cosmetic surgery.

• Body dysmorphic disorder increases the risk of depression, but also the risk of social phobia.

• Increases the risk of suicide.

• People who suffer from this condition have few or no friends at all.

• More than 20% of those who suffer from this psychological disorder are unemployed, and 55% do not have a life partner because of this condition.

Excessive concern for selfies and social media causes more and more young adults, especially females, to turn to the esthetician to improve their physical appearance. What the beauticians notice, however, is that women tend to ask for certain facial changes so that in the end they look better in selfies.

Neelam Vachi, an esthetician at Boston Medical School, believes that selfies taken with certain filters can cause the individual to lose touch with reality, resulting in the formation of unrealistic expectations about physical appearance. This is especially harmful to teenagers, who are in the process of formation and transformation.

Another thing that researchers have found is that young women tend to compare themselves to influencers on social networks. This is harmful, especially because, in general, these influencers process their photos not only by applying filters but also by resizing their nose, lips, or breasts. Experts even suspect that these comparisons could lead to depression.

How to reduce the negative impact on self-esteem

First of all, you can take a break from social media. Detox from social networks will catch you well and will help you get back on your feet.

If you notice that you feel depressed or dissatisfied with your appearance after looking at selfies posted by celebrities or friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat, maybe it's time to take a break.

If you feel that you are not ready to give up social media, it is advisable to follow the accounts of your acquaintances or of people who promote normalcy and naturalness. Stop following on social media celebrities like the Kardashian sisters, who are famous for posting professional and highly edited photos on Facebook and Instagram.

It would not hurt to seek the help of a specialist such as a psychotherapist, who will help you to accept your body as it is, but also to differentiate between natural and commercial.