- ‘Scrolling through Instagram makes you feel worse about yourself’
A casual scroll through Instagram will reveal a large number of pictures of near-perfect and seemingly flawless bodies for us all to gawk at and envy.
It is no surprise that a few hours of extensive exposure on an image-sharing platform like Instagram, where “perfection” is the standard, can cause us to wonder, “why am I not that fit?”, “why is my skin not that perfect?”, “why don’t I have a flat stomach and washboard abs?”, etc.
Numerous studies conducted on the effects of social media apps have revealed that it can make people fixate negatively on their weight and appearance, with researchers noting that study participants particularly displayed dissatisfaction about their own bodies after looking at “fitspo” images and idolised celebrities. Corresponding research has demonstrated that social media apps like Instagram are related to a variety of body image concerns, including body dissatisfaction and self-objectification.
While these results come as no surprise, it can still be difficult to see how much those photos directly affect us. It is important to be mindful that what is portrayed on social media is not necessarily true. Not only does it negatively affect our mental health, but it also perpetrates these unrealistic body standards we’ve all come to accept.
Constantly scrolling through “perfect” photos from friends, celebrities, and influencers can leave you feeling very negatively about yourself, as it’s only human nature to compare yourself to others, to feel envious or jealous of what someone else has or what they portray.
While “Instagram vs. reality” is a fairly new beast we must all figure out a way to tackle, Norway has broken ground in a first attempt at addressing the issue, where a new regulation from Norway’s Ministry of Children and Family Affairs has been brought in to try and fight unrealistic beauty standards. The policy adoption states that influencers in Norway are now required by law to label when their images on social media have been retouched.
When the law is implemented, it will require influencers who are making money from their content, to label when an image has been retouched. This includes alterations that have been made to the subject’s body size, shape, or skin, either before – like through a filter – or after the image has been taken. Specific examples include enlarged lips, edited muscles, and cinched waistlines. Images that have been retouched will be legally required to carry a label designed by the Government that alerts the viewer.
Advertisers who use social media content for promotional purposes will also be affected by the law. In addition, influencers and celebrities who post on social media sites will be obliged to comply if they “receive any payment or other benefits” from the posts.
Norway’s lawmakers have stated that they are hopeful the measure will make a useful and significant contribution to curb the negative impact that this altered reality advertising has, especially on children and young people.
The epidemic of creating perfection online, through editing or the use of filters or various image altering methods, is not limited to any specific part of the world; it is incredibly widespread and Sri Lanka too has not been immune to it. There are numerous influencers who rely on their bodies, their physical appearance, or their fitness journeys to create their brand and in doing so, they communicate certain messages to their impressionable audiences, some of whom truly rely on these individuals to guide them in achieving what they perceive to be perfection “goals”.
We reached out to a number of influencers, some of whom are fitness-oriented and others in the beauty and fashion industry, to share their thoughts on the effects of photo editing and the perpetuation of what might be considered unrealistic body standards on social media.
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Designer and model Tymeron (Tymo) Carvalho[/caption]
Designer and model Tymeron (Tymo) Carvalho shared his candid thoughts on the matter, stating that he does, in fact, agree that online image sharing can have negative effects on its consumers and that he believes influencers have a responsibility to be transparent with their audience, especially if they stand to gain an income. “Most of the influencers don’t care about genuine feedback, and care only about their income. If you are an influencer or a critic, you are supposed to say or show what the product actually is! But unfortunately, it doesn’t happen. That’s why I have taken a step back when it comes to influencing. I have made sure that I will only promote something that is genuine, is the best, or is not harmful.”
He further added that “changing their look or editing has become so common! I have seen some of them in real life, and I have often wondered ‘is that the person I saw in Insta or TikTok?’”
Tymo further stated that while a person who is well aware of these alterations that go on behind the scenes may know and have the knowledge to adjust their mindset accordingly so that they don’t fall for this false narrative, many do not. “A person who isn’t exposed to these areas, attempts to look like them and sometimes it can be harmful; i.e. aspiring to these false standards or certain body standards. For example, some filters do make you look whiter or have a glowing appearance, hence why products that promise such things in real life are still a fast-moving business.”
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Fitness influencer Tarja De Silva[/caption]
Fitness influencer Tarja De Silva also said that “as a person in fitness and someone who is very active on social media, I do believe it is important to be responsible and credible on social platforms. The ideal body on social media right now is far from realistic and I definitely support Norway’s legal requirement to declare retouched photos”.
Despite the clear recognition that there is, in fact, a perpetuation of impossible standards on young and impressionable minds, there is also a certain level of finesse that influencers and creators have to deliver. This is a societal expectation that has taken on a life of its own, where influencers must do better and better and stand out in what they present, and so this level of perfection expected of them has given way to the need for filters, and image editing as well.
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The Agency Sri Lanka Head of Operations and celebrity stylist/fashion designer Kosh Hewage[/caption]
The Agency Sri Lanka Head of Operations and celebrity stylist/fashion designer Kosh Hewage shared that while he does understand that there is a terribly harmful element to image editing, it is slightly more complicated than simply declaring that the image has been edited. “I think it’s a very difficult question, to be honest. I believe we do need retouching, Photoshop, and editing apps or software to some extent – such as to make sure we maintain a well-balanced final product,” he said. However, he did add: “But changing body type, the colour of your skin, hair, and many other things as influencers is a bit too much.”
Kosh said that his personal opinion is “to be your real self even on social media as well as in your real life”. Having said that, however, he believes everyone can have their own opinion and own will.
He added: “For promotional endorsements, I believe creative heads and or editors should think a bit more on this. As a stylist, I don’t try to cover things or edit things way too much. My main aim is to make sure the outfit fits them properly and it looks flattering. I strongly believe in the fit and I want them to look amazing. And we usually need to show the reality , but like I said, the basics can be edited to make sure the image looks balanced.”
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Instagram and TikTok influencer Alison Wijemanne[/caption]
Similarly, Instagram and TikTok influencer Alison Wijemanne shared her thoughts as well, stating that it really is each individual’s prerogative. It is a difficult line to draw, she said, adding that taking an example of herself and her friend, she shared that her friend is incredibly open with her audience and is very transparent about her life and her struggles, especially about body image. However, Alison herself believes that what and what not to share is really up to the creator. She said that she feels not everything needs to be divulged, adding that when it comes to body image, everyone has their own insecurities and that they may not all be so confident to showcase these little things so publicly and they may want to tweak them a little bit. An example, she said, was her own skin, which she wasn’t so content about when she was younger and she did utilise filters. While her skin is a lot better now, she understands anyone who wishes to alter their appearance ever so slightly to appear more idyllic.
While it is a difficult line to draw, there is no question that the time has come for measures to be taken in this context. While demanding transparency in terms of individuals’ appearances may not be so welcome, at the very least, promotional content must consider this to an extent. However, the question remains how far the authorities should go in policing image alterations online in order to prevent false misconceptions and unrealistic body standards from further perpetuating harmful effects on young and impressionable minds.
