Archive · 7 Sep 2025
Selfie Dysmorphia: Filters' Impact on Body Image
Imagine seeing perfect pictures of people online all the time, but the pictures aren't always real.
This is causing a problem called selfie dysmorphia.
People start to feel bad about how they look in real life because they compare themselves to these filtered images.
Studies show that taking and sharing selfies can make people feel less confident and more anxious.
Some people even want surgery to look more like the filtered version of themselves.
The solution isn't to stop using selfies but to understand how filters affect our self-image and be mindful of how we see ourselves and others.
Selfie dysmorphia is a growing issue of people seeing a difference between their real and curated online self.
A study shows that those who uploaded retouched selfies had increased social anxiety and a drop in confidence.
Participants expressed a stronger desire to undergo cosmetic surgery after uploading selfies.
Filters create an idealised version, influencing how people perceive their natural selves.
Surgeons see an increase in patients wanting procedures to improve their selfie appearance.
- Who
- People, especially young adults and teens.
- What
- Selfie Dysmorphia, a disconnect between real and filtered appearance.
- When
- Reported in September 2025
- Where
- India, and globally.
- Why
- Filters and social media redefine beauty, impacting self-perception.
- Study Participants
- 300 (India), 5,000 (Ongoing)
- Age Range
- 16-26
- Study Cities (India)
- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad
- Surgeons with selfie-related requests
- 55%
- Focus
- Selfie Dysmorphia and Cosmetic Surgery