Influencer culture is a recent development in the digital age, where social media has permeated every aspect of daily life. On social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, influencers—those with sizable fan bases—have a big impact on fashion trends, public opinion, and even how people see themselves. But there are drawbacks to this widespread influence, particularly for Gen Z, the first generation to have grown up in a world where social media is everywhere.
The emergence of influencer culture and the pervasive use of filters have changed how people view health, beauty standards, and body image, which has an impact on today's youth's mental and emotional health.
In the world of social media, influencers have grown in strength. They are an essential component of contemporary marketing because of their capacity to create content, amass sizable and devoted fan bases, and promote goods. They are frequently seen as trendsetters—people with the ability to influence preferences, values, and goals. Through the screens of their smartphones, Gen Z, who spend a lot of time on social media, frequently views influencers as "friends" or even role models.
However, these influencers' portrayals aren't always based on fact. From immaculate complexion and toned bodies to lavish vacations and ideal relationships, many influencers portray a polished picture of their lives. A distorted view of what is "normal" or desirable may result from this carefully constructed online persona. Furthermore, the overwhelming amount of perfection on social media can result in the establishment of unattainable beauty standards, even while many influencers work to promote authenticity and body positivity.
Filters are becoming a necessary component of using social media. Filters enable users to showcase an idealized image of themselves by altering facial characteristics, smoothing skin, or improving lighting. What started as a playful method of photo editing has evolved into a vital tool for influencers. Real, unfiltered photos are becoming more and more scarce due to the widespread usage of digital modifications, such as the well-known "Instagram face" and beauty filters that change the contour of the body.
Filters are frequently a typical component of Gen Z's online self-presentation rather than merely an occasional tool. According to an American Psychological Association research, many young adults—women in particular—report that the unattainable ideals of beauty they encounter on social media affect their body image and sense of self. Even though they are frequently commended for their beauty, these digitally enhanced photos generate expectations that are just not realistic. As followers and users feel under pressure to live up to an idealized notion of beauty that is frequently unachievable without the aid of filters, the expectation to conform to this digital perfection can cause discontent.
Although there has always been pressure to appear a certain way, it has gotten stronger as influencer culture has grown. Social media democratizes influence, in contrast to traditional media, where a small number of influential gatekeepers determine beauty standards. Since everyone may now become an influencer, a wide range of people's idealized images have proliferated. But rather than eradicating the temptation to adhere to a single, limited definition of beauty, this democratization has increased its prevalence.
This pressure is greater for Gen Z. Gen Z is more sensitive to concerns of diversity and representation because they are the most diverse generation to date. However, the beauty standards that predominate in influencer culture still heavily favor a particular set of characteristics—slim, tall, flawless skin, and symmetrical facial features—despite the demands for body positivity. Many young people feel inadequate or ostracized as a result, especially those who do not suit these ideals.
Influencers provide an edited, filtered version of themselves, followers attempt to imitate these portrayals, and so on. This cycle is self-replicating. The ideal of beauty changes slightly with every new post, but it remains within a strict range of perfection. People may feel that they are continuously falling short of the ideal, which over time can undermine their self-esteem.
One cannot undervalue the impact that filtered beauty standards and influencer culture have on mental health. The continual exposure to online perfection can cause anxiety, despair, and feelings of inadequacy in many young people. Young people who use social media extensively report feeling more dissatisfied with their bodies, according to a study published in Body Image. Negative self-perception and, in severe situations, eating disorders or poor body image practices can result from constantly comparing oneself to the images of influencers.
Furthermore, feeling stressed and inadequate can be exacerbated by the pressure to follow influencer trends, whether they be through fashion choices, beauty standards, or lifestyle goals. Many members of Generation Z suffer from the pressure to maintain a "perfect" online persona, and their mental health may suffer as a result of their anxiety about being scrutinized or shunned because of their appearance.
The way beauty is defined and shown on social media needs to change to counteract the negative impacts of influencer culture and filters on body image. Promoting many portrayals of beauty that transcend the carefully manicured, filtered ideal is imperative. Though more has to be done, Gen Z has already made progress in promoting a more tolerant and inclusive concept of beauty.
Social media platforms, corporations, and influencers must all accept accountability for the effects they have on their followers. They may help create a more inclusive and healthy digital environment by encouraging more realistic representations of beauty, supporting body acceptance, and discouraging the overuse of filters. The negative impacts of social media can also be lessened by teaching young people about the risks of comparing themselves to photos that have been digitally enhanced and encouraging them to think critically about the information they consume.
Ultimately, uniqueness, self-assurance, and genuineness should characterize beauty more than filters or well-chosen photos. To promote a healthier, more inclusive online community, Gen Z must embrace true beauty and reject unattainable ideals as they continue to influence social media.
About the Author
I am Sanchari Mukherjee, a student doing a Master's in English from the reputed Presidency University, Calcutta. I love writing and appreciate art in all forms. Being a literature major, I have learned to critically comment on situations and contexts of various kinds. I take a lot of interest in current affairs and like to cover those topics in the articles I write. Glad that you came across my blog, I hope you found it informative!
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