Snapchat Filters: Real or Fake?

Snapchat was first known for their “funny” filters with puppy ears and flower crowns, which seems harmless, right? This app called snapchat is a very popular app used by approximately 4.48 billion people worldwide, particularly by the younger generation. It is an app where people can send interactive messages called “snaps” to friends either using filters or effects. Although throughout the years it has now evolved with thousands of filters available to choose from, which was initially used innocently and for fun but has now become a factor contributing to the unrealistic beauty standards upon young people. Snapchat has created a beauty tool where people are able to adjust their appearance and get rid of any “imperfections” such as pores, acne scars, etc.

These beauty filters have drained the fun out of snapchat filters, being a teenager is hard enough without another insecurity waiting to get discovered. The easy ability to remove facial ‘imperfections’ by the touch of a button isn’t the worse part, it’s when you turn the filter off after having it on for the first time. The dissatisfaction of noticing the change in appearance when that beauty filter is switched off, that’s when the insecurities kick in.  The beauty filter on snapchat is making it harder for teenagers to feel comfortable in their own skin, and it shouldn’t be normalized.

_{Side to side Comparison of snapchat beauty filter vs natural features. Image: Sophie Charlotte Opitz (article)}

Achieving this “perfect” look consists of blurring out facial features that should be normal, it is these features that make us unique. Creating that glow, smooth and polished look doesn’t increase or create beauty, it creates problems. Insecurities can cause problems such as anxiety, depression, and even a decrease in self-esteem. Insecurity is a normal feeling, that not just teenagers feel but is a universal feeling within every single individual. However, growing up with these beauty filters just makes it harder for the younger generation. I don’t think our parents or grandparents had the ability to be given easy ways to remove ‘imperfections’ by the press of a button. Who thought this was a groundbreaking idea?

Beauty Filters should’ve never been normalized or introduced, social media platforms should just stick to “funny” filters and not be a part of making teenagers feel worse about themselves. Turning that beauty filter on for the first time might seem like a good idea and might provide a confidence boost, however, it is only for a second until that filter is turned off. It is time as a community to normalize empowering each other to embrace our natural features that make us unique. Because if we only use a beauty filter to feel confident, how can we show others our true selves?

_{The “funny” snapchat filters. Image: Teen Vogue}