Unveiling the Psycho-Social Roots of Selfie Editing Apps Usage Among Online Subscribers

By Virgilio C. Ventura

I. Introduction

Selfie editing apps, which enable users to improve and modify their appearance in digital photographs, have grown in popularity among online subscribers. Examining the psycho-social causes of selfie editing app use is essential in understanding the phenomena in the current digital era, where having an online presence is extremely important. In 2014, the Philippines has in fact distinguished itself in the digital world through the US Time magazine’s definitive ranking of 459 cities worldwide that “produces more selfies per capita than any other city in the world.” has even identified “Makati City, known as the financial center of the Philippines, … as the Selfie Capital of the World” along with Cebu City (# 9) and Baguio City (# 16).^1/

The purpose of this article is to examine the psychological and sociological grounding on the widespread use of these selfie editing apps and to shed light on the implications for both individuals and society.   

II.   Psychological Factors  

A. Self-esteem and body image

One significant psychological factor behind the use of selfie editing apps is the influence of societal beauty standards. In a society that idealizes a certain type of beauty, individuals often compare themselves to these standards which in turn induces a negative impact experience on their self-esteem. Such is the case here in the Philippines where the white Caucasian complexion is privileged over those with brown skin, a persevering legacy of our colonial mentality of the past.  The constant comparison and perceived flaws can lead to body dissatisfaction, which further drives individuals to rely on selfie editing apps to attain an idealized version of themselves — at least in the virtual space.

B. Social validation and acceptance

In the online world, validation plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ self-perception. Likes, comments, and the number of followers on social media platforms serve as indicators of popularity and acceptance. Selfie editing apps allow users to enhance their appearance and garner positive feedback, thus fulfilling their need for validation. The positive psychological effects of receiving praise and popularity reinforce the use of these apps as individuals strive to maintain a positive self-image.

C. Psychological well-being

The relationship between mental health and selfie editing apps is a pressing concern. The incessant use of these apps can lead to obsessive behavior and addiction, as individuals become preoccupied with achieving an idealized appearance. This preoccupation can adversely impact self-worth and happiness, as individuals fixate on external validation rather than focusing on their internal well-being. 

Ozimek, et. al.’s (2023) study on “how photo editing in social media shapes self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons” has shown the affirmative relationships of the said variables.^2/

Nikitina, E.A.’s (2021) study in Russia that investigated the main motives (1. to increase self-esteem; 2. maintain social contacts; and 3. preserve and exchange information) for publishing selfies and whether online activity contributes to the well-being came out with the results that “confirms the connection between the personality traits and characteristics of the respondents’ network behavior and their psychological well-being.”^3/

III. Social Factors

A. Social media culture

The persuasive power of social media influencers and celebrities is a prominent social factor contributing to the usage of selfie editing apps. Many online subscribers look up to these individuals and seek to emulate their appearance, inadvertently perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. Moreover, peer pressure and the desire to fit in with social media trends can push individuals to use these apps, as they fear being left out or judged for their unedited appearance.

“On a personal level, I don’t edit much other than the lighting. Usually editing images may cause some body dysmorphia (ugliness) and can lower one’s self esteem. But of course, if someone does it and feels better, I’m good with it,” opines Janssen Micah Fajardo, an International Studies graduating student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Sta. Mesa.

B. Impact on interpersonal relationships

The prevalence of selfie editing apps in virtual markets has transformed social dynamics and interpersonal relationships. There is an increasing emphasis on superficiality and appearance-based judgments, which can erode authentic connections. The focus has shifted from real-life interactions to virtual interactions centered around curated images, creating a barrier to genuine connections or identifications, and fostering a culture of shallowness.

C. Societal implications  

The usage of selfie editing apps contributes to the reinforcement of unrealistic beauty standards, which can have far-reaching implications on the persona of the subscriber. These apps perpetuate an image-focused culture, placing excessive importance on physical appearance rather than personal qualities.

This obsession on an individual’s physicality has, for example, been captured by the study of Agrawal, Harshit & Agrawal, Sudha (2021) in Nepal where they sought to assess the cosmetic dermatology seeking behavior of social media users and those who edit photographs before posting them on social media platforms. The study’s result bared that “Facebook and Instagram were the preferred social networking sites for posting photographs” and that “hiding skin lesions was the common reason for photograph editing.”^4/ These findings help to explain the detrimental effects on mental health and well-being, as individuals are constantly striving for an unattainable and unrealistic version of themselves. 

IV. Ethical Considerations

A. Lack of transparency and authenticity

Selfie editing apps often lack transparency, as they allow users to conceal the fact that their images have been edited. This lack of authenticity can lead to deception and potential moral and psychological harm, both to oneself and others. However, as this selfie editing app developers and platforms are working within an enterprise framework, we cannot really expect much ethical responsibility from them to promote transparency and discourage the use of deceptive editing techniques.  Where we may accuse them of deception, they will always be quick to call it innovation or ingenuity on their part.

“From a moral standpoint, body image and self-esteem (as subjected to) self-photo editing apps frequently provide capabilities for altering physical appearance, such as shrinking the body, increasing features, or creating an exaggerated beauty standard. Excessively manipulated photographs can create false impressions of appearance, editing software can (indeed) blur the line between truth and fiction,” asserts Arnold F. Aviles, Chair of San Beda College Alabang’s (SBCA) Religious Education for K to 12.

B. Psychological and emotional impact

The use of selfie editing apps can have negative psychological and emotional effects on individuals. Constantly altering one’s appearance can distort self-perception and contribute to lowered self-esteem. Additionally, the emotional toll of seeking constant validation through edited images can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction and dependence on external affirmation. Society has a responsibility to address these issues and foster a healthier relationship with online self-presentation.

“Selfie editing apps are fun to use in different ways. Helping you get fairer skin, adjusting the lighting, and even making funny or creative versions of the pictures that allow you to express your individuality and talent in using the app. Yet, unlike in the past, I think that a lot of people now no longer use filters and prefer genuine, unfiltered photos as the new norm due to their movement toward self-acceptance, body positivity, and even flexing the effects of their skin care routines,” says Romeo Dinulos II, a Talent Attraction Specialist at Ernst and Young in BGC, Taguig City.

V. Conclusion

The psycho-social roots of selfie editing apps usage among online subscribers are multifaceted and complex. Psychological factors, such as self-esteem and social validation, play a significant role in driving the usage of these apps. Social factors, including social media culture and their impact on interpersonal relationships, further contribute to their widespread use. Ethical considerations highlight the need for transparency and the potential psychological and emotional harm associated with these apps. It is thus crucial to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage responsible usage among subscribers or users to foster a culture of body positivity and self-acceptance in the digital age. By addressing these issues, we can strive for a healthier online environment that values authenticity and genuine connections over superficiality and image-focused culture.  END  

NOTES: 

1/ Wilson, Chris, The Selfiest Cities in the World: TIME’s Definitive Ranking, TIME Magazine, March 10, 2014. https://time.com/selfies-cities-world-rankings/

2/ Ozimek, P., Lainas, S., Bierhoff, HW. et al. How photo editing in social media shapes self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons. BMC Psychol 11, 99 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01143-0 

3/ Nikitina, E. (2021). Is Selfie Behavior Related to Psychological Well-being? Psychology in Russia: State of the Art, 14(3), 21-33. DOI: 10.11621/pir.2021.0302. The journal content is licensed with CC BY-NC “Attribution-NonCommercial” Creative Commons license.

4/ Agrawal, H., & Agrawal, S. (2021). Impact of Social Media and Photo-Editing Practice on Seeking Cosmetic Dermatology Care. Clinical, cosmetic, and investigational dermatology, 14, 1377–1385. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S322859