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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”

Karidaddylover Report

#2

“I Never Use Filters” Was In Her Bio…

“I Never Use Filters” Was In Her Bio…

Captaincadet Report

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Javel!
Community Member
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

generalprime1 Report

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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susangreen_2 avatar
Susan Green
Community Member
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

PsychologicalStory66 Report

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#6

Salutations From Qatar

Salutations From Qatar

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anubis1 avatar
Hippopotamuses
Community Member
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?

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

If this waist and bottom were real, how would she be able to put on those pants? I mean, the diameter of the bum ist four times bigger than the waistline 🤦‍♀️

emily_36 avatar
Epona
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You beat me to the same comment I just made! Nice to know I’m not the only one confused about it.

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emily_36 avatar
Epona
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let’s just pretend, only for a couple of seconds, that this is how a real person might physically look: how the heck does she get her jeans on? I can’t even begin to figure out how the physics of putting on basically skin tight jeans would work with a body shaped like this!

adeline-drew44 avatar
Saggi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s alright guys! It is obvious this is real, her boobs and a**e are just magnetic, and we’re attracted to the poles. 🙄. Why do these people thinks that others buy this s**t.?

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

Reminds me of the female pedestrians in GTA Vice City

robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You get shapes like that when you squeeze playdoh though your fingers!

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

She could poke out your eyeball with those things from a km away.

cindycollins_1 avatar
Beachbum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good Lord! I mean how does she even find jeans to fit this body??

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

That's actually some pretty good editing, even tho it does look totally ridiculous. There are no warped walls or arms, and the shadow is edited as well to match.

roryborealis07 avatar
Katie the Koala
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t even find these terrifyingly wacky and unrealistic proportions attractive lol

simonadavid avatar
Narwhal Blast
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would like for these people to have something stuffed in there like that and actually feel the weight of it and then decide if they still want that.

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

I teach anatomy and physiology. This picture makes me cry, and, laugh, both at once.

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

I question why they think people could believe this photo isn't filtered and shopped, not set in reality, sets unrealistic expectations for other women 🫤

luluvandy6124 avatar
Laura Jackson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank goodness she's balanced out or she'd tip over! Maybe the inspiration for Weeble Wobbles?

m-chieffo avatar
Marion
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahahhaahaaa! So silly! Probably she‘s a beautiful woman in real..

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Javel!
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

net0 avatar
Margaret Weaver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They had to smuggle beer in SOME how. I think this is actually quite creative

yalialolabi avatar
Yali-girl with weird name
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bro it looks like she stuffed socks in their and called it ‘pOrfEcT fIgUrE i SwEaR’

cats-09-2016 avatar
SydneyP
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Add about 50 pounds to that middle section and it’s me from the neck down. I’m a boyish lesbian yet was blessed with a huge butt and breasts! My waist is much bigger than 7 inches however..

bethnsam96 avatar
Let’s Be Kind
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Qatar, where I went to get all my internal organs removed! Success!

badkittyspot avatar
Cathy Hinz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

haha, at first I thought is was Kim K., but her middle isn't that small.

vickicunningham avatar
Vicki Cunningham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looked at this and thought people would think it was real? The dumbing down of society.

barb_forshee avatar
Barbara Forshee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who in their right mind would find this the least bit attractive? What is it about these women who want to have waists they can't find pants to fit. I mean where would you find a size 12 inch waist in blue jeans with hip size 45.

david2074 avatar
David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess kudos that she managed to keep the fence bars in the background straight?? Bonus chuckles at the flex on the tower screen. Might just be world's largest screen but they qualify it with - external / 360 degree. Is there a lot of competition in that category?

alexanderizzo_1 avatar
Alexander Izzo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

where did the party balloons go?? oh wait. they r in your shirt and pants.

janedavis avatar
the shrimp whisperer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this has GOT to be appealing to some sort of kink/fetish cus there is no way in hELL anyone would ever think this was real

clarebaker avatar
Omni Unicorn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least the lines around her butt aren't wavy. That couldn't be easy...

atkinsdan avatar
Daniel Atkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think she is showing you how to smuggle the balls from the World Cup.

ltdn_org avatar
Karen Grace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It used to be girls were after an hour glass figure. When did the S figure gain popularity?

katejones_1 avatar
Kate Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so sad that she can't see how pretty she is and has to do this to herself because she thinks it looks better, which is insane.

blazerfury420 avatar
RavenTheCat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

okay who stole my gmod toolgun, i told you guys i left the inflator enabled!

impossiblekat avatar
Kat Lyle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can someone taller than me get my eyebrows back down from the ceiling please...

ceciliachavez75 avatar
Lavendar rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's more surgery that's it is filter. I've seen ALOT of pics of her.

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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

superfunpants Report

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

Perfect_Variety968 Report

#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

seashell1975 Report

#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

clutchkickmurphys Report

#15

Instagram vs. Red Carpet Interview

Instagram vs. Red Carpet Interview

irishartistry Report

#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…

pineapplesoapdope Report

#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…

unicorndollface97 Report

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#18

I Literally Use This Girls Fitness App

I Literally Use This Girls Fitness App

AlertSanity Report

#19

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

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

NegativeOneSip Report

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lismarie avatar
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
Community Member
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

Big_Establishment656 Report

#24

Looking For Compression Shirts When Suddey…

Looking For Compression Shirts When Suddey…

vlas-t Report

#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!
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

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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
Community Member
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

sweetslipperydee Report

#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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lulugrepe avatar
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.