How Has Social Media Photography Affected the Mental Wellbeing of Adolescents?

The Problem with Photo Manipulation

Photo manipulation is a major issue on social media. Celebrity influencers and content creators often edit their images—slimming waists, altering facial structures, and enhancing features to appear more attractive. This creates unrealistic beauty standards.

A 2021 survey by Dove found that 80% of teenage girls had digitally altered their appearance in a photo by the age of thirteen. In a study by Burnette, Kwitowski, and Mazzeo, young adolescents expressed feeling pressured by social media comparisons. One girl admitted:

“If I’m following a female celebrity... they do all these, like, photoshoots, and they look really pretty. So, sometimes I guess that makes me not feel so good.”

The Rise of #FilterDrop

In 2020, influencer Sasha Pallari launched the viral #filterdrop campaign, encouraging users to share unfiltered photos to promote real skin online.

The impact was huge:

• The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority banned exaggerated filter use in beauty ads.

• Beauty brand Cult Beauty launched the UpCloseOnSkincare campaign, removing Photoshop and filters from marketing.

Their research showed that 45% of their community felt uncomfortable posting unfiltered images of themselves.

The Damage Filters Cause

Filters promote artificial beauty standards. They create a false norm that real people can’t live up to—and that hurts mental health.

While filters are still common, #filterdrop sparked a shift. Many influencers now post authentic, unfiltered images, showcasing real skin textures and imperfections.

Celebrities and Unrealistic Edits

In 2014, Kris Jenner and Gordon Ramsay posted the same photo—except one was heavily edited. Jenner’s version had blurred skin and a warmer tone, erasing lines and wrinkles. This sends a message: aging should be hidden. It can make older adults feel insecure and younger viewers feel pressure to alter their appearance.

A similar example comes from Khloe Kardashian. A comparison between an Instagram selfie and a paparazzi photo from Getty Images reveals intense edits: smaller nose, whiter teeth, smoothed skin, and a slimmer face. The difference is drastic—and toxic. It’s not just edited, it’s almost unrecognizable.

These images set unattainable standards, especially harmful for teens still developing their identities.

Political Action: #RecogniseBodyImage

UK MP Dr. Luke Evans, a former GP, launched the #RecogniseBodyImage campaign to combat the harms of manipulated imagery. He’s promoted the Body Image Pledge, which asks brands not to digitally alter body proportions.

Brands like Dove, Marks & Spencer, and Boohoo have already signed on.

Evans also introduced the Body Image Bill, requiring labels on images that have been digitally altered—pushing for more transparency from advertisers and content creators.

The Impact on Adolescents

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable. They're still forming self-esteem and are more likely to believe what they see online. Viewing heavily edited photos can damage their mental wellbeing, leading to:

• Poor self-image

• Depression and anxiety

• Pressure to change their appearance

Conclusion

Photography on social media plays a significant role in shaping how young people view themselves. The push for authenticity—from campaigns like #filterdrop to political action like the Body Image Bill—is crucial in creating a healthier, more honest online world.