Selfie filters are affecting body image, triggering dysmorphic disorder

Social media is changing people’s perceptions of beauty worldwide. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram are taking a toll on self-esteem and triggering body dysmorphic disorder, says a new study.

With advancements in photo-editing technology through applications like Snapchat and Instagram, the level of physical ‘perfection’ is the obsession of social media. People’s perceptions of beauty worldwide are changing, which can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and trigger body dysmorphic disorder.

The studies show that teen girls who manipulated their photos were more concerned with their body appearance, and those with dysmorphic body image seek out social media as a means of validation. (Shutterstock)

Boston Medical Center (BMC) researchers in a JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery Viewpoint argued that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance, often characterised by people going to great lengths to hide their imperfections. This can include engaging in repetitive behaviours like skin picking and visiting dermatologists or plastic surgeons hoping to change their appearance. The disorder affects around 2% of the population and is classified on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.

The viewpoint authors reference studies that show teen girls who manipulated their photos were more concerned with their body appearance, and those with dysmorphic body image seek out social media as a means of validation. Additional research has shown 55% of plastic surgeons report seeing patients who want to improve their appearance in selfies.

Director of the Ethnic Skin Center at BMC and Boston University School of Medicine, Neelam Vashi said, “A new phenomenon called ‘Snapchat dysmorphia’ has popped up where patients are seeking out surgery to help them appear like the filtered versions of themselves.”

Vashi added,”Filtered selfies can make people lose touch with reality, creating the expectation that we are supposed to look perfectly primped all the time. This can be especially harmful for teens and those with BDD, and it is important for providers to understand the implications of social media on body image to better treat and counsel our patients.”

According to the authors, surgery is not the best course of action in these cases, because it will not improve, and may worsen underlying BDD. They recommend psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and management of the disorder in an empathetic and non-judgmental way.

The full findings are present in the journal — JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.

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