According to a study, beauty filters really work. They make faces in photos appear more attractive. But not only that, people with enhanced faces are also seen as more intelligent, trustworthy, sociable, and happier. This is what the study published by The Royal Society, a British scientific academy, found.
To avoid bias, each participant in the study rated only one version of a face, either original or enhanced with a common filter. During the experiments, there were no indications that altered images were used. The study, conducted by Spanish researchers, involved 2,748 participants who rated the images of faces of 462 different men and women.
However, despite all the advantages, beauty filters are very controversial and often face criticism, especially in the scientific community. “Beauty filters feed our sense of beauty with unrealistically enhanced faces, leading to a prototype that increasingly diverges from real faces,” explains Helmut Leder, Professor of General and Cognitive Psychology at the University of Vienna, where he established the research focus on Empirical Aesthetics in 2004.
Leder emphasizes that in the long term, this leads to real faces being perceived as less attractive, and the standards for what is considered beautiful become almost unrealistically high. Not only are other faces perceived as less attractive, but one’s own face may also be seen this way. “When it comes to oneself, this can naturally have consequences for self-image and the related self-confidence.”
Moreover, the use of filters can lead to more frequent cosmetic surgeries or similar actions.
Despite these concerns, the popularity of beauty filters continues to grow. Many people enjoy using them to enhance their appearance in photos shared on social media platforms. The appeal lies in the immediate transformation that these filters offer, allowing users to experiment with different looks without permanent changes.
However, the psychological effects of using such filters are significant. Constant exposure to enhanced images can lead individuals to develop unrealistic beauty standards. This can affect mental health, leading to issues such as body dysmorphia, anxiety, and depression. The pressure to look perfect can be overwhelming, especially for younger users who are more impressionable.
It’s important to approach beauty filters with caution and awareness. Users should be mindful of the potential impact on their self-esteem and mental well-being. Encouraging a more balanced view of beauty, one that appreciates natural and diverse appearances, is crucial. Social media platforms can also play a role by promoting content that celebrates authenticity and diversity in beauty.
In conclusion, while beauty filters can enhance appearance and provide a temporary boost in confidence, they also pose risks to self-image and mental health. Users should be aware of these risks and strive to maintain a healthy perspective on beauty and self-worth.