Edited Selfies: Mental Health Impact
- A recent study highlights the impact of digitally altered selfies on body image, introducing the concept of "social self-comparison." The research, sparked by a TikTok trend of posting...
- Makenzie Schroeder, a graduate student, and Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz, a professor at the University of Missouri, collaborated on the study.
- The researchers conducted an online experiment involving participants aged 19 to 66.Participants were divided into three groups: one using slimming filters on thier own selfies, another watching someone...
Uncover the subtle yet significant impact of “social self-comparison” in the digital age. This News Directory 3 exclusive unpacks a recent study examining how digitally altered selfies, especially those using slimming filters, influence body image and mental health. Researchers discovered a direct link between filter usage and increased desires for weight loss, alongside negative perceptions of larger body types. Explore the detailed findings from the University of Missouri study,which reveals how even short-term exposure to filtered images can affect self-perception.Learn practical steps toward mindful social media consumption to foster a healthier self-image. Discover what’s next in understanding the long-term psychological effects of edited selfies.
Updated June 16, 2025
A recent study highlights the impact of digitally altered selfies on body image, introducing the concept of “social self-comparison.” The research, sparked by a TikTok trend of posting slimming-filtered photos as “motivation,” explores how individuals compare themselves to idealized, digital versions of themselves.
Makenzie Schroeder, a graduate student, and Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz, a professor at the University of Missouri, collaborated on the study. They investigated the effects of comparing one’s appearance to digitally altered selfies, a phenomenon they termed “social self-comparison.”
The researchers conducted an online experiment involving participants aged 19 to 66.Participants were divided into three groups: one using slimming filters on thier own selfies, another watching someone else use slimming filters, and a control group using a simple color filter.
The results indicated that those who used slimming filters showed a greater desire to lose weight, increased focus on their appearance, and more negative attitudes toward individuals with larger bodies. This suggests that the use of slimming filters can significantly influence body image and perceptions of others.
“Filters that make someone look slimmer create what many perceive to be a more perfect version of themselves that’s easy to reach with just a few clicks,” Schroeder said. “that makes the comparison feel very personal and even more powerful than when seeing an Instagram model, for example.”
Schroeder believes that even short-term exposure to these filters could have lasting effects on self-perception and attitudes toward others. While not all filters are inherently negative,awareness of their potential impact on self-image is crucial,especially as these technologies become more complex and widespread.
Behm-Morawitz emphasized the importance of mindful social media use. “We can’t stop others from making comments about our bodies, but we can think more carefully about how we present ourselves online,” she said. “Being real is sometimes the healthiest option.”
What’s next
future research may explore the long-term psychological effects of social self-comparison and the growth of strategies to promote healthier body image in the digital age.