By Abdulmumini Fatima U19mm1037
In a world ruled by likes, filters, and follows, looking perfect has become more than just a desire, it’s a silent demand. From TikTok to Instagram, we scroll through flawless faces and edited bodies that whisper to us: “You’re not enough yet.” But behind the smooth skin and glowing smiles lies a growing mental health crisis among youth who are drowning under the pressure to meet impossible beauty standards online.
With just a swipe, an app like Snapchat or FaceApp can slim a nose, brighten skin, widen eyes, or eliminate blemishes. While these filters were once harmless fun, they’ve evolved into tools that feed insecurity and comparison. Social media has created a beauty battlefield where unspoken rules dominate. Trends like “BBL body,” “yellow skin,” “slim thick,” or the “no makeup-makeup” look flood our timelines, creating subtle messages about the kind of beauty that deserves attention. In Nigeria, the pressure is even more intense, as more young women turn to skin-lightening creams, waist trainers, and contouring tricks, hoping to match the filtered perfection they see online.
According to Dove Self-Esteem Project found that 80% of girls are using retouching apps by the age of 13. This strong relationship between the pressure to look a certain way on social media and self-esteem is affecting the mental health of young girls around the world, These digital alterations are shaping how young people see themselves and not always in a healthy way.
But it’s not just about looks it’s about mental health. The constant comparison game has been linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even body dysmorphia. Many youth, especially girls, are left asking, “Why don’t I look like that?” without realizing that most of what they’re seeing isn’t real at all.
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Psychologists recognize that the pressure to present a perfect image on social media can negatively impact mental health, particularly for young people. Studies show that social media comparisons, especially regarding physical appearance, are linked to lower self-esteem, body image issues, and even eating disorders. The curated and filtered nature of social media content can create unrealistic standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Influencers, too, have played a double role both as trendsetters and as hidden contributors to this pressure. Many promote beauty products and routines using edited images, without disclosing their use of filters. The result? Their followers buy into a beauty that doesn’t exist off-screen.
However, not all is lost. Around the world, there’s a quiet revolution rising led by voices that promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and media literacy. Movements like #RealSkin, #NoFilter, and #SelfLove are gaining traction, encouraging people to embrace their natural appearance and speak openly about the effects of digital beauty pressure. Some influencers now proudly post their unedited photos and call out unrealistic portrayals online.
At the end of the day, filters may smooth out skin, but they can never smooth out the pain of not feeling good enough. Beauty should not be based on algorithms or approval. As a society, we must learn to celebrate what is real, flaws and all, because true beauty doesn’t come from a filter; it comes from self-worth.