I look great - on the net
A beauty arms race is taking place on social media. We need to talk to our child early on about what this is doing to us.
Puberty not only changes the personality, but also the body. Naturally, young people compare themselves a lot with others during this phase and look for visual role models. They find them on social media, especially on Tiktok, Instagram or Snapchat, which is extremely unfortunate. Because what you see here has nothing whatsoever to do with biological reality, but merely demonstrates the power of modern photo filters.
All look great on Tiktok with filters
What used to be funny dog ears and noses, which were initially used millions of times as photo filters on Instagram, are now automated filters for enhancing selfies. Bigger eyes, smaller noses, optimised skin colour: everything is possible in almost perfect quality with just one click.
Anyone who looks in the mirror sees the imperfections of nature, which cannot keep up with the ideal of beauty set by the filter. The logical consequence: it's not just influencers who use photo filters, but simply everyone who posts their selfies online. This in turn reinforces the impression of one's own flaws: Everyone looks great, except me. It has been scientifically proven that this beauty arms race makes people mentally ill. Depression, eating disorders and negative self-perception are the result. Experts have even coined the term «Snapchat dysmorphophobia» - the rejection of one's own body.
Get to know the effect of filters in a playful way
This is a challenge for parents. The topic of filters should not only be discussed when puberty sets in, but even earlier. Pre-pubertal children in particular can get up to some wonderfully creative shenanigans with filters (think dog ears).
In this way, parents can playfully draw attention to how filters distort reality. And also ask questions about their self-image: What do you like better about your face than the filter face? As the children get older, the filters are the starting point for serious discussions: What makes you who you are? What do you like about yourself and what don't you like? And last but not least: What is actually still real on Insta and Tiktok and how can we recognise that? A loving and respectful discussion with the children on this topic is the basis for healthy development. After all, appreciation and respect are the most important breeding ground for a positive self-perception.
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