by Shae Marcus

In today’s world, the digital landscape is an ever-present backdrop to our daily lives. For kids and teens, social media plays a significant role in shaping how they view themselves. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, young people are constantly exposed to images of peers, celebrities and influencers. But here’s the catch: many of these images are heavily filtered and edited. From flawless skin to exaggerated facial features, the pressure to look “perfect” has never been higher.

For many, the lines between reality and digitally altered images have blurred, leading to a distorted sense of self and body image. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly 60 percent of teens reported that social media affects their self-esteem, particularly because of comparisons they make with the seemingly “perfect” images they see online. It’s no surprise that these carefully curated and filtered photos are contributing to unrealistic beauty standards that young people feel pressured to meet.

The Social Media Effect: Unrealistic Comparisons

What makes this issue particularly concerning is the fact that young people are still in the process of developing their identities. They’re trying to figure out who they are, but social media complicates this by presenting them with unrealistic standards of beauty. Even though they may know, logically, that filters and editing tools are being used, it’s hard not to compare oneself to those flawless images.

In the past, teens would mostly compare themselves to their peers at school, but now they are comparing themselves not only to classmates but also to celebrities and influencers. The result can be a constant feeling of not measuring up.

This phenomenon has been labeled “comparison culture”, in which people measure their own worth based on how they stack up against others. While comparisons aren’t a new concept (remember the glossy magazine covers of the 1990s), social media makes these comparisons immediate and constant. And it’s not just kids and teens who are affected by this. Adults, too, are getting caught up in the frenzy of filters, smoothing away wrinkles, grey hair, and any signs of aging.

Aging Gracefully

It’s no secret that we live in a youth-obsessed society, in which aging is often seen as something to be feared rather than embrace. We shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that aging gracefully is a blessing. After all, not everyone gets the chance to grow old. Each wrinkle, grey hair or laugh line tells a story—a story of life, experience and wisdom.

According to Psychology Today, using filters and digital enhancements to mask the natural aging process can negatively affect mental health. People that rely heavily on these tools may feel disconnected from their real appearance, leading to anxiety and dissatisfaction when they look in the mirror. While it might feel empowering in the short term to present a flawless version of oneself online, the long-term effects can lead to issues with self-acceptance.

The Path Forward: Encouraging Authenticity

Moving forward, the answer lies in encouraging authenticity—both in ourselves and in the young people we care about. It’s important for kids and teens to understand that it’s okay not to look like the people they see on social media. The images they’re often comparing themselves to are not real. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and ages. We need to reinforce that message, loud and clear.

Parents, educators, and mentors can help by having open conversations with young people about the dangers of comparison culture. Talk about the use of filters and editing tools and help them recognize that what they’re seeing on social media is often a distorted version of reality.

For adults, let’s model what it means to age gracefully. Embrace the laugh lines, the grey hair, and the signs of a life well-lived. Because aging isn’t something to hide—it’s a privilege.

In a world where digital filters have become the norm, let’s remind ourselves and the next generation that authenticity, in all its forms, is beautiful.