Smartphones and Appearance Pressure
A recent research report from the City University Of London offers insights into how young women are feeling increased pressure to look perfect thanks to the advent and growth of social media. The report is titled “Changing The Perfect Picture: Smartphones, Social Media, and Appearance Pressures.” The report focused on findings from interviews with one hundred and seventy five eighteen to thirty year old participants. The interviews focused on the relationship between social media, body image, media, the beauty industry, and smartphones. In an effort to look perfect and present a perfect life, ninety percent of the interviewees report using a filter or editing their photos before posting to even out skin tone, reshape their jaw and/or nose, shave off weight, brighten or bronze their skin, and whiten their teeth. In today’s world, there is mounting pressure to be someone other than your true self. Parents, remind your kids that it is character, not appearance, that counts.