Beauty filters and insecurities

Whereas beauty filters were designed to make us "look better," they made us feel worse.

Making a new face on social media is now easier than ever, right?

With a single click, you can get the desired smaller nose, wild eyes, and super clear skin.

But, does this make you feel good, or is it destroying your self-esteem?

I know it makes you feel "better looking" right now, but what happens next?

What happens when you delete the filter and see your real skin or your unsymmetrical nose?

You lose confidence, right?

Unfortunately, our phones have become our modern mirror; we are constantly on Instagram or Snapchat sharing stories.

Even when we're in a Zoom meeting, we're more likely to be looking at ourselves than looking at the other person.

We’ve become particularly self-conscious of our faces.

Many people have had self-surgery in the last year, and it's all because of the filters.

I'm sure you're thinking, "Is it that bad or is she being dramatic?"

But it's all true, I saw a video a few days ago on TikTok of a girl saying she went to a plastic surgeon and told her doctor to make her look like herself in this filter.

Many of the comments were “same” or “+1.”

Can you believe that?

I'm sure you do because we've all been feeling the same way.

When I apply the filter to my face and then remove it, it feels like my nose and entire face have grown 10x larger.

It's so depressing how our technology has made us more insecure.

It also freaks me out how filters work, like the one on Instagram that gives you a natural look.

Though it may appear to be harmless, and many of us have been using it on a daily basis, repeated use creates a new normal for how we believe our faces should look.

It gives us the impression that it did not significantly change our looks and that it is doable.

But believe me when I say that it always starts with a small change in the way you look, and then you obsess over changing every part of your face until you become a completely different person.

“Should I get a lip injection?”

It is a question that runs through my mind almost every time I use Instagram.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one too.

I was never self-conscious about my lips or any other part of my face structure. 

To be honest, I never gave it much thought.

But now having spent a long time scrolling endlessly through the filtered photos of celebrities and influencers, it's tempting to make a mental wish list of things I'd like to change: a more defined jawline, bigger lips, higher cheekbones, smoother skin, the list goes on. 

It’s crazy how these filters make us rethink our appearance.

But today is the day I tell myself and everyone else to stop playing along.

Celebrate your unique self instead.

No more using filters and writing captions “I just woke up like this”

Limit the amount of time you spend scrolling and comparing yourself to the images you come across.

Comparing only makes you feel like you're running on a treadmill with no real end.

Because what you're chasing is not real.

So let me help you by sharing three points that will help you regain your confidence.

• Limit your use.

Unfollow people that make you think or feel uncomfortable.

SERIOUSLY, it is okay to mute some accounts that do not make you feel good about yourself; always prioritize your mental health.

• Love and respect yourself.

I know it sounds weird, but I want you to talk to yourself.

The way you talk to yourself is important; go stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself, "I'm perfect just the way I am." or "Today, I gave myself permission to love my body." Permitting yourself to do something is helpful.

• Connect With Your Values

After all, looks are just that, and they aren't the most important thing in life.

Your friends or soulmate aren't with you because of your symmetrical nose or defined jaws; they're with you because you're you (if they aren't, then kick them out of your life)

Let us not forget that the most essential goal in life is to be healthy and happy. 

I've always told myself that people who live healthy and peaceful life are the ones who win in life. 

So, let us set aside all of these pointless beauty filters and ask ourselves, "What brings us joy?"

After all, the decision is entirely yours.

You are perfect in your own way, and you do not need to look like anyone else.