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With social media came the filters and an all-time high insecurity problem. Mostly everyone by now is well informed about the truth hidden behind Instagram pictures, however, that did not make our problems disappear.

A lot of the time influencers have discreet changes in their images, and it is hard to tell whether it is real or not. That is why shedding some light on the issue from time to time serves as an important reminder. Images we see on social media are often highly curated and do not represent reality. Aside from promoting unattainable body image to their followers, influencers who use filters constantly damage their view of their own appearance.

But not only influencers use these beauty filters. In a 2021 study by the City University of London, it was discovered that 90% of women from ages 18-30 use appearance-altering editing programs. Most women feel pressured to look a particular way as well as the need to showcase a ‘perfect life’. This constant obsession with our looks can lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues, and in some cases, may contribute to the development of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

With that being said, fellow Pandas, we want to tell you that you are beautiful just the way you are, and any features you try to hide are the ones that make you unique. Filters will only make you look unrealistic, and in this case, even ridiculous.

To get a better understanding on how filters affect us, Bored Panda got in touch with body-positive social media influencer saggysara. See the full interview with her below.

More info: Instagram | TikTok | Youtube

#1

“That Moment When Your Eyebrow Glitches Through Your Hat”

“That Moment When Your Eyebrow Glitches Through Your Hat”

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#2

“I Never Use Filters” Was In Her Bio…

“I Never Use Filters” Was In Her Bio…

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Javel!
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1 year ago

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#3

I Wonder What The Thought Process, To The Point Of Uploading This Was Like

I Wonder What The Thought Process, To The Point Of Uploading This Was Like

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Since social media has been criticized for presenting a distorted reality, the body-positive movement started to appear as an “antidote”. Body positivity is the idea that all people should have a positive body image, regardless of their size, shape, or appearance. The goal of body positivity is to create a more inclusive and accepting society, where people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Sara Puhto is one of the body-positive influencers that is spreading a message of what a normal body looks like on her Instagram account saggysara. “I post daily reminders to help people see the “reality” behind posed photos, and the curated aspects of photos, and with filters, I have touched on comparison photos to show how different filters alter our natural faces. To help people realize they shouldn’t compare themselves to what they see online,” shared Sara.

#4

Hahaha This Girl Is Funny, She Post About The Reality Of Her Photos And The Difference Is Hilarious

Hahaha This Girl Is Funny, She Post About The Reality Of Her Photos And The Difference Is Hilarious

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Susan Green
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whenever I see a totally edited photo of someone, next to a natural photo of them, I always prefer the natural pic, because at least they look human.

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#5

I Need To Re-Learn Anatomy After Seeing What Influencers Look Like These Days

I Need To Re-Learn Anatomy After Seeing What Influencers Look Like These Days

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#6

Salutations From Qatar

Salutations From Qatar

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Hippopotamuses
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who could even think for a moment that this is an accurate example of a human being?

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Usage of filters on social media can have long-lasting consequences. When people use or see filtered faces and bodies, they start to accept it as a norm, and because of that, their self-perception changes. There was even seen a rise in plastic surgery related to filters. Most of the procedures requested are on the eyes, nose, and lips. “I’ve had a few messages saying that people have wanted plastic surgery to look like filters (eg. lip filler). In all honesty, I have had this thought too around 2 years back during covid where I only really saw filtered faces online but never ended up getting it and had to take a moment to unpack why I felt the need/want to get lip filler and realized it wasn’t something that I personally could justify doing at the time.

I’ve also heard other people say that filters negatively affect their self-esteem as they see the beauty filters as enhancing certain 'in trend' aesthetic aspects that they don’t feel they have naturally,” shared Sara.

“I personally don’t use them on my page and if I do they’re more of the 'silly' ones and with the beauty filters I only use them to show the difference between my natural face and the filter,” added Sara.

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#9

She’s 48

She’s 48

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There has been a lot of discussion about the use of photo filters and editing tools on social media, and the impact they can have on people's body image and self-esteem. Some people have called for more transparency when it comes to the use of filters, similar to how sponsored posts are labeled on social media.

“The ease with which we can use filters and then post that photo as a post and it doesn’t state anywhere that the photo is filtered, I think that increases the unrealistic/unattainable standards that people think they should look like the filtered versions of themselves naturally,” shared Sara.

#10

Popular Tiktoker Who Gets Paid/Sponsored To Review Skincare & Makeup Products

Popular Tiktoker Who Gets Paid/Sponsored To Review Skincare & Makeup Products

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Mimi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman I actually legit. She is also very upfront about what her face and body looks like. She did a video where she showed her body curves, cellulite and all

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Yelena Yardeen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She posts unfiltered photos of herself with and without makeup too so I don't think she's trying to fool anyone

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Hobistapioka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I follow her on tiktok. She doesn't use filters, maybe some lights but she also show herself without makeup.

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Tara “Botaratops” Wilkins
Community Member
1 year ago

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She uses filters on every video. It's glaringly obvious. I used to like her, but she's just so disingenuous. And that fake accent? Please

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Pinkjoelle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad angle pic compared to full make-up contouring and awesome angle pic. Mckala makes detailed make-up tutorials and she is not afraid to show her tue self.

brie082 avatar
Brooke Marie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And she definitely transforms with her makeup skills!! She's really pretty good!

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Aleesha Krieg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mikayla is her name. She's amazing. The done up picture on the right was back when she was in the midst of her ED. Then the pic on the left is horrible angles.

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David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real pic is not as "classically pretty" perhaps but her skin looks better in the real one. Filtered photo looks like someone did her face with a car wax buffer or something.

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Elizabeth Molloy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is the point? The only thing which is the same in both images is her nose stud!

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Paul Pienkowski
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhhh. It takes way more than makeup to make her look like the right photo.

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Victoria Phillips
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's fabulous though - and it just shows what skill has with makeup!

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Rosanna Jackson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just angles and contour. No filters. This was definitely chosen by a man

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FlagCityDiva
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure one can evaluate the efficacy and quality of skin care products based on the qualities of the item and not the appearance of the user.

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DeeDee M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beware men, on TikTok, Instagram, FB, etc...who creep on every "pretty" woman. I would 7/10 times, this is what you're getting. And you know what? You probably deserve it.

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CosmcCookie
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1 year ago

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Abigail Strong
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can see the second point in her eyebrow in the right pic

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Kymberley Caligari
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone saying it’s just contours needs glasses, her nose on the left is a veritable beak compared to the image on the right! An unflattering angle I’m sure, but no way that’s just contouring.

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Rosanna Jackson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've watched 100's of videos. Many where she does half a face live time. You don't have the makeup talent she has. And that's ok. But you are wrong. And rude.

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D. Pitbull
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well... if the skincare/makeup product can do **THAT**... dang.

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Saggi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does she also get sponsored to review photoshop, ‘cause i think she would give it a ten out of ten.

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Smiley MG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh god!!! She is the one with that awful nasal raspy voice, isnt she??? Better hear nails on chalkboard than her voice..... She needs a vocal cord surgery ASAP!!!!

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CHRISTY SMITH
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, she went from a 1 1/2 to a 8 in a matter of seconds - that is some magical a*s makeup - SHUT UP AND TAKE MY $$ !!! ** I would be in a constant state of anxiety that someone is going to figure out I actually look like the left side picture and the jig will be up ***

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Asphalt Bubblegum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's pictures of two entirely different and unrelated people. Not a *single* thing in the edited verion is real.

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Pumpkin Spice
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks fine in the unedited version, her eyes and hair are beautiful! The edited version looks like a sterilized, bleached, lifeless version of corporate beauty.

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Kate Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, at least this was done well. Unlike all the other ones, I would buy that this was legit if I hadn't see the first pic. Still ridiculous makeup but the photoshop is well done.

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Alexander Izzo
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1 year ago

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oh hell no. no offense but both of those face, they r ugly..

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#11

The Absolute Worst Offender

The Absolute Worst Offender

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Javel!
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1 year ago

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To promote positivity on body image, it is important to engage with body-positive accounts on social media, share your own body-positive content and messages, educate yourself about the harmful effects of social media, support body-positive organizations and campaigns, be mindful of the language you use when talking about bodies and appearance, practice self-care, and encourage others to embrace their unique qualities and celebrate their bodies. By taking these steps, you can help to create a more inclusive and accepting society where people of all shapes and sizes feel valued and confident in their own skin.

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“I attempt to ground/remind my followers by showing them reminders of the curation and behind-the-scenes of Instagram photos and to see that at the end of the day, so many things on the human body that we have labeled as ‘flawed’ are actually so normal, they are a part of us, a part of being human and being alive. We shouldn’t feel ashamed of these absolutely normal human aspects,” Sara added.

#13

Gonna Have To Go With No

Gonna Have To Go With No

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#14

Not Much Is Real In Her Pics And Videos Plus The Backround Moves Round In Them, Last Pic Is One She Was Tagged In From A Hairdresser

Not Much Is Real In Her Pics And Videos Plus The Backround Moves Round In Them, Last Pic Is One She Was Tagged In From A Hairdresser

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#15

Instagram vs. Red Carpet Interview

Instagram vs. Red Carpet Interview

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#16

Her Post vs. What She Was Tagged In By The Content Photographer…

Her Post vs. What She Was Tagged In By The Content Photographer…

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#17

I Need Help Bc Why Did She Tell Someone In The Comments The Reason You Can’t See Her Pores Is *good Foundation* When She’s Literally Blurred To Oblivion…

I Need Help Bc Why Did She Tell Someone In The Comments The Reason You Can’t See Her Pores Is *good Foundation* When She’s Literally Blurred To Oblivion…

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#18

I Literally Use This Girls Fitness App

I Literally Use This Girls Fitness App

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#19

62k Likes, 1k Comments On Her "Perfect Body"

62k Likes, 1k Comments On Her "Perfect Body"

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Undercover
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can these unrealistic horse-butts be considered beautiful? I don't get it!

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#20

She Posts Loads Like This

She Posts Loads Like This

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Pheonixvatoreii
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These poor girls. The problem with this is not the girls. Its the fact that they are made to feel the need to photoshop their images by society's expectation of what women look like/should look like. These girls all look just as pretty without the filters, but they are likely insecure enough to feel like they arent. Edit: Hell this blew up. Yes I know these people should take responsibility for their actions. Sure society isng to blame for all. If these girls think they have to do that to get attention, there is something very wrong. Part of if is social pressure, that is undeniable. They aren't forced to do anything, but the problem is that they must feel like they are being.

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#21

Her Ig Post vs. Ig Tagged

Her Ig Post vs. Ig Tagged

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Saggi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But why do these people thing that no one can find out the truth? I mean, they have a life, and if they get famous from this then they are bound to be seen someplace, and people can take pictures that they can’t edit, so what is the reasoning behind that?

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#22

Ms Girl Who Claims She Doesn’t Use Filters

Ms Girl Who Claims She Doesn’t Use Filters

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#24

Looking For Compression Shirts When Suddey…

Looking For Compression Shirts When Suddey…

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#25

Influencer’s Photo Posted On Insta Versus Screenshot From A Video

Influencer’s Photo Posted On Insta Versus Screenshot From A Video

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Javel!
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1 year ago

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#27

She Wants To Look Like A Doll

She Wants To Look Like A Doll

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Susan Green
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez what’s wrong with looking normal anymore? If you don’t like the way you look naturally, then don’t post photos of yourself.

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#28

She Claims This Isn’t Shopped, But The Uncanny Valley Vibes Makes Me Think She’s Lying

She Claims This Isn’t Shopped, But The Uncanny Valley Vibes Makes Me Think She’s Lying

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#29

Posted Back To Back. Her Comment Section Is Full Of People Accusing Her Of Black Fishing (And For A Good Reason)

Posted Back To Back. Her Comment Section Is Full Of People Accusing Her Of Black Fishing (And For A Good Reason)

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#30

Damn You Filters!!!

Damn You Filters!!!

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a fruity dream of delusion
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in my opinion she looks better in the unedited one. she actually looks unique instead of just looking like a doll cut-and-paste.

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Note: this post originally had 33 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.