A new study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggests a strong link between social media usage, photo-editing applications, and the increasing desire for cosmetic procedures. The researchers discovered that individuals who spend considerable time on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, and those who engage with photo-editing apps, are more likely to consider undergoing cosmetic surgery.
In an era dominated by digital interaction, the researchers aimed to explore the nuanced ways in which the virtual representations of ourselves impact our real-life decisions, particularly concerning our physical appearances. The term “Snapchat dysmorphia” has already entered the medical lexicon, describing a trend where individuals seek cosmetic enhancements to mimic the filtered versions of themselves they present online.
This study investigates the broader implications of social media and photo-editing on cosmetic surgery intentions, especially in light of the increased focus on appearance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While there was an increase in cosmetic focus during the COVID pandemic, until now there has not been data highlighting a clear link or factors that made patients more or less likely to participate in cosmetic treatments,” explained corresponding author Neelam Vashi, an associate professor of dermatology and director of the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center.
The study focused on individuals attending an ambulatory dermatology clinic at an urban hospital in Boston from October 2019 to June 2021. This timeframe was selected to capture data from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a unique opportunity to analyze changes in attitudes towards cosmetic procedures amidst the increased social media consumption reported during lockdowns.
To participate, individuals had to be 18 years or older and fluent in English or Spanish, ensuring that the surveys could be completed without language barriers affecting comprehension or responses. Participants were asked to fill out surveys that had received prior approval by the Boston University Medical Campus Institutional Review Board. These surveys included questions regarding demographics, social media usage patterns, perceptions of cosmetic procedures, and the desire to undergo such procedures. A total of 175 surveys were collected.
The researchers found a significant correlation between the amount of time spent on social media platforms, specifically Snapchat and Instagram, and the increased desire for cosmetic procedures. Participants who reported spending more time on these platforms were more likely to believe that social media influenced their decision to consider cosmetic enhancements. This suggests that prolonged exposure to the curated images and lifestyles presented on these platforms may heighten dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, leading to a greater interest in cosmetic solutions.
The use of photo-editing applications like FaceTune, Lightroom, and SnapSeed before sharing selfies on social media was another significant predictor of participants’ consideration of both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. This finding indicates that the act of altering one’s appearance digitally can translate into a desire to make similar changes in reality, possibly due to the discrepancies between the edited online self and the unedited reflection in the mirror.
Moreover, the study found that engagement with social media content related to celebrities, influencers, and accounts showcasing the results of cosmetic procedures significantly influenced the desire to undergo cosmetic enhancements. Following and interacting with such accounts likely exposes individuals to a higher frequency of idealized beauty standards, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and increase the appeal of cosmetic interventions to achieve similar aesthetic results.
Interestingly, the study also observed significant differences in attitudes towards cosmetic procedures before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in the number of participants considering cosmetic procedures was noted during the pandemic, along with a rise in the number of individuals who had ever undergone a cosmetic procedure.
This trend may reflect the combined effects of heightened social media use during lockdowns and the phenomenon of “Zoom dysmorphia,” where increased video conferencing leads to greater self-scrutiny and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance on screen.
The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider patients’ social media use as a factor in their desire for cosmetic procedures and to engage in open discussions about the motivations and expectations behind such decisions. “Quality care begins with quality conversations, and we hope this study encourages providers to ask about all aspects of a patient’s life to better understand their motivations and goals of care,” said Vashi.
The study, “Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Patient Social Media Use and Acceptance of Cosmetic Procedures,” was authored by Iman F. Khan, Henriette De La Garza,Michelle Lazar, Kevin F. Kennedy, and Neelam A. Vashi.
