Strides for Authenticity on Social Media

Social media often isn’t the authentic platform we wish it to be. 

Filters that clear blemishes, add makeup, or even distort our bodies into different shapes send the message that you must change yourself to fit in.  The same applies for retouched, airbrushed, and photoshopped images, which are particularly dangerous to young and impressionable teens.  Inauthentic ads and imagery are dangerous to youth because they send the message that perfection is achievable through drastic measures.  “Miracle” pills, extreme diets, and ads with ridiculous claims that state you can lose “25 lbs after dieting for 5 days” can lead many teens to feeling insecure in their skin.  Undoubtedly, changes need to be made in the push for authenticity in the media—and luckily, some recent legislation has caught on. Here are 3 Ways to Improve Authenticity in Social Media:

1. Messaging

Social media platforms produce content faster than the blink of an eye. But, taking the time to consider the messaging behind each post is vital for the inclusivity of any brand’s audience. For example, beloved social media platform, Pinterest, designed for discovering new ideas, has recently made a major change in their brand. The company has decided to ban all weight loss ads, becoming the first “major social media platform to ban weight loss advertisements on the site.” This decision seems like a no-brainer, but not many companies have made the same positive strides in their branding. When messages like “how to drop 15 pounds in 5 weeks” appear in a young girl or boy’s browser, it can be easy for them to believe that they must change themselves in order to reach the weight perpetuated by that ad. But Pinterest rejects these ideas, stating that: “We want to be a platform that inspires all users because inspiration should be for every body.”

2. Transparency

Norway has also made changes in the quest for authenticity in social media.  Now, any image that does not disclose any retouching, airbrushing, or photoshop is illegal.  The intent of this legislation is to: “protect the public, especially younger people, from psychological harm.”  “Psychological harm” can refer to the low self-esteem, poor body image and mental health issues many youth can derive from falsified media imagery.  The law will apply to ​”influencers and advertisers alike, to address 'body pressure in society.'”  Norway’s decision to also include social media influencers, in addition to advertisers, in their retouched photo legislation, will create a more positive space for social media users.  Now, any social media influencer has to disclose any airbrushing or filters used in their posts.  This decision will improve truthfulness and positivity in social media users, and in turn will improve confidence amongst youth.  

3. Positivity

There is beauty in unfiltered, raw pictures.  Many social media influencers have taken strides to post their most authentic selves online.  For example, singer Alicia Keys, opted to go makeup free on her appearances on The Voice and social media alike.  Keys explains why: “What if I don’t want to put on all that makeup? Who says I must conceal what I’m made of?” Keys’s choice to not wear makeup emphasizes to teens and young adults that you don’t have to change who you are to fit into societal expectations.  Keys, alongside many other influencers are helping to change the narrative about the meaning of true beauty.  As Keys says, “it’s about being who you are and not letting anybody tell you who you should be.”

True beauty is about embracing imperfections in its realest form. When scrolling through social media, take into consideration the carefully curated images people project.  Life is about living off screen—not through a filter!