Girls edit photos for a variety of reasons, primarily related to self-presentation, social acceptance, and perceived societal expectations. These reasons often stem from a desire to portray an idealized version of themselves online.
Here's a breakdown of common motivations:
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Enhancing Appearance: A major reason is to improve their perceived physical appearance. As cited in research, a significant majority of women (around 90%) admit to using filters and editing tools.
- Evening out skin tone
- Reshaping facial features (jaw, nose)
- Adjusting body weight
- Brightening or bronzing skin
- Whitening teeth
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Seeking Validation: Edited photos often garner more likes and positive comments, which can boost self-esteem and reinforce the behavior. The pursuit of social approval on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can drive the use of editing tools.
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Meeting Perceived Societal Standards: Societal beauty standards, often unrealistic and heavily influenced by media and advertising, can pressure individuals to conform to an idealized image. Editing photos becomes a way to align with these standards.
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Controlling Their Narrative: Photo editing provides a level of control over how they are perceived by others. They can curate their online presence to reflect the image they wish to project.
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Creative Expression: For some, photo editing is a form of art and self-expression. Filters and effects can be used to create visually interesting and unique images.
While photo editing is a personal choice, it's important to be aware of its potential impact on self-esteem and body image, particularly for young people. The prevalence of edited images online can contribute to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.
In conclusion, girls edit photos for a complex mix of reasons, including the desire to enhance their appearance, seek social validation, conform to societal beauty standards, control their narrative, and express themselves creatively.
