#filter vs reality

[annbourbon]

No filter (but good light) vs. filter

[designflawsofthehumancondition]

TikTok says that this is what I'd look like with red hair.

I don't think the worlds ready for this version of me 😅😂

[christer22]

Week 9: Digital Citizenship and Software literacy: Instagram Filters

Hey, thanks for stopping by again. Let's jump right into today's topic!

This week’s topic explores the role of Instagram filters as a key example of how everyday digital tools shape the way we see ourselves and others. While filters are often used for fun, creativity, or self-expression, they also have deeper effects that are worth examining. This is where two important concepts come into focus, digital citizenship and software literacy. In the case of Instagram filters, these tools may seem harmless on the surface, but they often subtly change beauty standards and affect people’s self-image, especially among younger users. This makes it important not only to use filters carefully, but also to understand the technology behind them and how they impact digital culture.

Digital citizenship is about how we behave online, ethically, critically, and responsibly (Team 2023). It’s more than just avoiding online drama or being polite; it includes understanding how digital tools affect ourselves and others.

Software literacy, on the other hand, is about being aware of how the digital tools we use every day are designed, how they function, and how they shape our behaviors and perceptions (Khoo et al. 2017). When it comes to visual social media especially Instagram, filters are a prime example of software that subtly but powerfully shapes identity and self-expression.

The increasing realism and AI-driven precision of face filters make it difficult for users especially youngers to distinguish between reality and augmentation. Without the software literacy to understand how these filters work, many fall into cycles of comparison, self-doubt, and a desire to match these digital ideals offline (Fardouly et al. 2015).

Instagram launched face filters in 2017, similar to what Snapchat had already been doing. This added a new layer of personal transformation, allowing users to smooth skin, reshape facial features, and even alter eye color in real-time. While many filters are used for fun, others fall under the beauty category and that’s where the conversation becomes more serious. Filters like “Paris,” “Glow,” and “Perfect Face” are known for narrowing the nose, enlarging the eyes, lightening the skin, and creating a more symmetrical, ideal appearance.

In recent years, the term “Snapchat dysmorphia” has been used by doctors and researchers to describe a growing trend where people seeking cosmetic surgery not to look like celebrities or models, but to look like their filtered selfies. This trend has been linked to apps like Snapchat and Instagram, where beauty filters can dramatically reshape facial features such as smoothing skin, enlarging eyes, contouring jawlines, and lightening skin tones. Over time, regular exposure to these filters can distort a person’s self-perception, making them feel that their natural appearance is flawed. This has led to rising concerns about body image issues, particularly among younger users who are still developing their sense of identity. The underlying issue stems from a lack of software literacy, many users don’t realise how filters are designed to reflect narrow beauty ideals. To prevent further harm, platforms should label filtered content more clearly, and digital education should focus on helping users understand how filters manipulate appearance. By promoting digital awareness and self-acceptance, we can reduce the harmful effects of filter-driven beauty standards.

As digital citizens, we should understand how filters impact our appearance and self-esteem, and recognise that not everything we see online is real. Being responsible doesn't mean avoiding filters altogether, it means understanding how they work, questioning their effects, and using them with awareness. With honesty and intention, we can engage with filters more thoughtfully and help create a more positive and authentic online space.

Until next time, happy reading!

References:

Fardouly, J, Diedrichs, PC, Vartanian, LR & Halliwell, E 2015, ‘Social Comparisons on Social media: the Impact of Facebook on Young women’s Body Image Concerns and Mood’, Body Image, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 38–45.

Global News 2019, Selfie Dysmorphia: How social media filters are distorting beauty 🤳🏽, YouTube.

Khoo, E, Hight, C, Torrens, R & Cowie, B 2017, Software Literacy, Springer briefs in education, Springer Nature (Netherlands).

Migala, J 2018, What Is ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’? A Detailed Look at the Trend | Everyday Health, EverydayHealth.com.

Team, L 2023, Digital Citizenship: What it is & What it Includes | Learning.com, Learning.

[wensdaiambrose]

Filter vs reality, which do you prefer?

#filterinstagram #filterselfie #filtervsreality #filtervsrealitychallenge #filterfun #reality #tryit #tryitout #instagramtrends

[jypsyvloggin]

How to get the Filter vs Reality effect on Instagram?

How to get the Filter vs Reality effect on Instagram? #instagarmfilter

Instagram Filter Filter vs Reality by fayedickinsonx Instagram filters are an easy and quick way to enhance your social media posts before posting. Whether it’s for fun or an occasion, you choose a filter to apply to your post based on whatever look you’re hoping to achieve. Each filter is a combination of effects. Thanks to the creators community for their great sense of humor and all the hard…

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