For a majority of history, women have been pushed to conform to a beauty standard. Though this standard is continuously changing, women are always expected to put in the work to present themselves a certain way.
This toxic history has made women insecure of the way they look, which has increased the popularity of appearance altering actions including diet culture, plastic surgery, and medications that facilitate weight loss. These methods can be out of reach for many due to their high costs, making them more readily available to wealthy individuals like celebrities and influencers.
Celebrities and influencers often portray an unrealistic standard of beauty, one that is unattainable for many who cannot afford costly procedures. While many of these individuals have had work done, very few choose to admit it, creating a false narrative of natural beauty that impacts younger viewers.
A recent study revealed a concerning trend where exposure to cosmetic surgery-related content on social media, increased time spent on these platforms, and negative self-views are linked to a higher likelihood of considering cosmetic procedures in the future. Young women, in particular, are impressionable and struggle with self-image issues exacerbated by the unattainable beauty standards perpetuated by celebrities and influencers.
When asked, many women expressed a belief that celebrities and influencers should be transparent about any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures they have undergone. While some argue that privacy should be respected, the consensus among those interviewed leans towards honesty as a means of promoting realistic beauty standards and deterring harmful comparison.
With the influence wielded by celebrities and influencers on social media, the call for transparency regarding cosmetic enhancements is growing louder among the public, especially among younger demographics. By opening up about their beauty procedures, these high-profile individuals can potentially contribute to a more positive and realistic portrayal of beauty for their followers.
