NO FILTER HAPPY FACES WIN HEARTS

Using filters for that ‘perfect picture’ has become a basic instinct for many people who rely heavily on apps like Snapchat or Instagram. However, a few individuals are shunning this trend and showing their inner beauty with all the warts and wrinkles in the world. Given the social media landscape, every second person wants to flaunt themselves. It is concerning that these digital beauty filters could also have a hampering effect on one’s mental health if not kept in check.

Flawless Craze

Kanan Tandi, Psychotherapist, from Goa, says that the primary reasons people prefer filters over normal pictures are that these provide an instant way to enhance one’s appearance, “often smoothening out perceived flaws or accentuating features.” There could be various reasons ranging from personal inhibitions to simply being nudged by others to try new trendy things.

However, this emphasis on one’s visual appeal always adds unhealthy pressure to “look good” always; a rat race of sorts with each person trying to compete with the other in terms of better display pictures, better stories or just maintaining an appealingly alluring profile.

Barring the heaviness, Kanan says, “Filters also allow individuals to experiment with their looks in a non-permanent way to experience some sense of playfulness, joy or creativity.” She explains that the way people perceive themselves deeply influences their affinity for filters.

Many people end up being an ‘inner critic’ and treat themselves too harshly. “These filters act as a tool to quieten that voice temporarily allowing one to feel good about oneself,” she says.

Kanan opines that this craze hit newer heights after the pandemic as people took to Zoom and Skype calls. Everybody wanted to show their best-polished profile.

Inner Triggers

“Insecurity is one of the primary drivers of filter culture,” says Kanan. Individuals use these filters to hide ‘perceived and self-gifted’ imperfections, often stemming from a lack of self-acceptance or confidence or external surrounding factors creating an added layer of burden and doubt with them pushing themselves hard to meet the expected beauty standards. “Filters sadly can even become a coping mechanism for low confidence, offering a sense of control over how one is perceived by others,” she adds.