Is the over-editing of images posted to visual social media platforms, such as Instagram, driving the increase of cosmetic surgery? If so, explore ideas that these platforms can take to prevent the act and culture of over-editing images?
Understanding editing software and the wide variety of features frequently added to these programs there’s undeniably a clear link between cosmetic surgery and some of the features available in these editing programs. Despite the links between editing software and cosmetic surgery I believe it’s not the sole driving factor for an increase in cosmetic surgery. I think the desire for cosmetic surgery influences people to use editing software to adjust or remove anything they might be self-conscious about. Especially with society in this day in age, there’s an unwritten rule of a ‘perfect image’ with smooth skin, symmetrical features, and strong structural features. I feel as though filters and editing software allow people to experiment and explore with their image, however cant be blamed as being the sole motivator for people wanting or resorting to getting something cosmetically enhanced.
Adrian Furnham, J., n.d. Factors that motivate people to undergo cosmetic surgery. PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513261/>