Filters promise perfection, but at what cost?
For years, I was a devoted filter enthusiast. I’d scroll through my camera roll, meticulously selecting the perfect filter to enhance every photo. A touch of brightness here, a smoothing effect there, and the nose and jaw defining effect– all to achieve that picture-perfect aesthetic. However, something shifted.
The more I used filters, the more it felt like I was losing myself. I couldn’t recognise my face in the photos. I realised that filters weren’t just harmless fun. They contribute to a culture of unrealistic beauty standards and I was unknowingly hooked.
The unseen damage caused by filters
One of my biggest issues with filters is the potential to fuel insecurities. The filtered versions of myself, while undeniably flattering, didn’t quite feel like me. I started to feel a disconnect between the images I was sharing and the reality I was living. Constantly seeing a filtered version of myself, with flawless skin, perfectly symmetrical features, and an idealised body, warped my perception of reality.
Read also: Would you say I’m beautiful? The ever-changing face of beauty
Even when we recognise a filter’s effects, self-objectification can still creep in. According to Tara Well, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University, “It’s the idea that you see yourself as a physical object that you’re trying to improve and make perfect.”
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This can be particularly damaging for individuals who are still developing their sense of self. Moreover, the constant comparison to filtered images creates an environment where natural features are viewed as flaws, ultimately impacting mental well-being. Consequently, it can lead to a range of negative psychological outcomes. From increased stress, to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, and diminished self-esteem.
Constantly editing your images with filters creates a distorted view of beauty, making it difficult to accept and appreciate your natural appearance. So, I decided to experiment. I started posting unfiltered photos. No adjustments, no enhancements – just raw, unedited snapshots of my life.
Finding myself, unfiltered
I used to think that imperfections were something to be ashamed of. However, the more I looked at my unfiltered photos, the more I realised they are what make me myself. Textured skin, fading acne, the little bags under my eye that let me know I need more sleep. Everything was a reminder that I’m human, not a digital construct, They reminded me that I’m worthy of love and acceptance just as I am, even with the “flaws.”
Dropping photo filters wasn’t just about changing my social media habits —- it was about changing my mindset. It’s about embracing authenticity, self-acceptance, and the beauty of imperfection. It’s about recognising that we’re all unique, and that’s what makes us beautiful.
So, I’m not perfect, and I’m okay with that. I’m imperfect, I’m human, and I’m learning to love myself just the way I am – filters or no filters.
