Scrolling through celebrity images on Instagram, the faces start to look eerily similar. Though photo editing apps like FaceTune and Beauty Editor are nothing new, the expectations for “beauty” online continue to narrow.
Knowledge of these photo editing tools doesn’t erase the plethora of seemingly perfect images that flood social media and your brain. With more and more Kardashian-esque faces and pouty lips on Instagram and TikTok, it’s easy to forget that the lookalike faces and figures aren’t real.
As with every trend, there’s a backlash or a counter-trend. In this case, celebrity photo editing call-outs, or “watchdogs” who monitor and share photo edits and discrepancies have risen in popularity on social media.
Perhaps they’re providing a public service – alerting us to images that aren’t real. But might they be contributing to the problem?
The Rise of Celebrity Photo Editing Call-Outs
Celebrity photo editing call-out accounts often originate to shatter the façade of perfectly contoured and coiffed celebrities. They compare photographs taken in real time – on the red carpet or the beach -and show the difference between what the celebrity subsequently posted on their social media. Celebrities may simply use a filter that creates smoother looking skin, but in some cases trim their noses and waists.
So, do the celebrity watchdogs – admittedly addictive – help or hurt? Some may argue they help us to shatter the illusion of unrealistic standards of beauty while others believe they are steeped in “gotcha” culture.
What are the benefits?
It brings awareness to unrealistic standards of beauty.
Even though we understand, on a conscious level, the prevalent use of photo editing apps, it’s easy to forget that the images aren’t quite real. The perfect looking people are endless, with the “desired” features becoming more and more limited: wider eyes, arched eyebrows, smooth skin, a narrow nose, fuller lips, and a pointy chin.
“I know you get hate for this page, but it has allowed me to know what is real and what is fake and has made me feel normal. Thank you.”
It can help us understand that our own bodies are not inferior and that appearance dissatisfaction is common.
Some felt a sense of community in celebrities’ Photoshopped or edited images, not only to bring awareness to the problem, but to understand that they are not alone. Body dissatisfaction runs deep and can impact anyone, no matter your size, wealth, or fame.
“When are we going to stop idolizing unattainable bodies?”
One viewer asked this question, rhetorically, in reaction to images showing that Kendall Jenner may have altered her physique. The underlying message was: if a model feels the need to edit her body for Instagram, why do we even bother to compare ourselves to an unrealistic – actually, impossible – standard?
Others said:
The negative impacts of celebrity photo editing call-outs:
1. Increased body surveillance.
After only 10 minutes scanning these celebrity watchdogs accounts, I found myself comparing and contrasting nose shapes and lip denseness.
For anyone working to create a body positive and body compassionate environment, this is not a good use of time. Our goal at Think or Blue is to focus parents and kids on their inner value and worth, not on their appearances.
Also, let’s remember that this body surveillance is largely aimed at women. When was the last time you studied Chris Hemsworth’s nose or the shape of Michael B. Jordan’s chin? The body shame industry teaches us to evaluate women’s bodies, and the celebrity photo editing call-outs promote objectification and reinforce expectations for women’s appearance.
2. It fails to address the larger problem of beauty standards for women
The celebrity watchdogs alert us to a culture of photo manipulation, but what about the unattainable beauty standards? We expect women in the public spotlight to look perfect every moment. And with ever-shifting ideas of beauty, is it any surprise that public figures feel pressured to conform to this mold?
Plus, many feel that the celebrity photo editing call-outs are part of a larger “gotcha” culture that thrives on perceived individual failings of those we uphold as famous, powerful, or beautiful.
Ten years ago, many reacted to Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner’s fame by questioning their tangible talents. Are they famous simply for being famous? What skills do they have?
But when we see their followers surge to 200 million and their wallets expand to $780 million, we point to the Kardashian family’s photo editing and alleged plastic surgery to push them back down, confident that their success is fraudulent, too. If the New York Times special, Framing Britney Spears, tell us anything, it’s that we love to elevate women in the spotlight and then gleefully rejoice as they plummet from stardom.
3. Celebrity call-outs don’t solve our negative body image
Certainly, the original intent of celebrity photo editing call-out accounts may be worthy – to show “normal people” that celebrities are regular pe ople with their own securities. And that the so-called “perfect body” doesn’t exist.
But constant scrutiny of others’ bodies is unlikely to boost our own body image. In fact, it can have the exact opposite effect. Time spent on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram is associated with lower body esteem and higher body surveillance, especially among adolescent girls. (Tiggeman & Slater, 2013). Following celebrity accounts on social media and comparing oneself to those images is also linked with body dissatisfaction and a desire to be thin. (Ho, Lee & Liao 2016)
Staring at celebrity images, even armed with the knowledge that they are enhanced or edited, is not likely to help us feel better about ourselves.
So what can we do to improve our teens’ body image instead?
1. Talk to your kids about the pressures that celebrities face.
Most teens already understand the prevalence of photo editing. They probably know more about it than their parents! Ask them why they think photo editing is common among celebrities and public figures. What if they put themselves in that woman’s shoes? How would they feel?
2. Help observe and listen.
Try not to lecture. Continue to recognize skewed representation of idealized bodies in the media and lack of people of color and people living in larger bodies. Then listen to what your child thinks. Do they discuss it with friends? How does it make them feel?
3. Revisit the WHY of social media.
Before your adolescent or teens joins social media, discuss with them WHY they want to join. What is the goal – is it to connect with friends? Learn about new music, or another hobby? With specific goals in mind, they may be less likely to stray to appearance-themed post from celebrities or fitness and fashion accounts. Check in with your child periodically to ensure these goals drive their usage.
4. Keep up with social media trends.
Your child undoubtedly knows more about social media and new trends than you do. But try to be aware of newer trends. For example, you may feel tempted to ban your child from using filters to avoid feelings of distortion. But new apps arrive every day, including ones that are more metallic and artsy. Is your child interested in self-expression? Or are they having a hard time accepting their own appearance?
5. Model compliments based on substance.
Selfie culture requires almost obligatory “gorgeous!” “flawless!” “soooo beautiful” comments from friends, especially teens and 20-somethings. Appearance-based compliments are okay once in a while, but work to model affirmations based on substance. Tell your friends and family you love their generous spirit or their fun attitude. Try “you look so happy/peaceful/joyful” instead.
Bottom line: while celebrity photo editing call-outs alert us to the unattainable standards of beauty that require us to actually change what we look like, the increased focus on others’ appearances won’t help boost our own body image.
For more on body image:
Get Your Free Guide for Raising Children with Healthy Body Image:
Leave a Reply