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The Instagram Face Phenomenon

The digital beauty standard reshaping our self-image and society
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Created by Nyx+

Published on Jan 22, 2025
Woman with glam makeup looking into camera
V&M Studio via Canva

Everyone wants to be beautiful. Beauty is a currency after all, one that opens doors that would otherwise be shut to an 'average looking' person. It gets you into places that you've not merited by qualification to be in, it seemingly gets you almost whatever you want. It is a card that almost never declines, but it can only get you so far.

Everybody wants an easy life. Wouldn't it be great if you could get stuff for free just because you look a certain way? Of course, it would. Everyone wants to be treated with special care and one way to get it in our ever-dying economy is to be beautiful by society's standards.

Unfortunately, beauty standards goalposts have changed over the centuries, but one thing that has remained constant is how impactful you seem to be if you fit into the dreary box of the current beauty standard.

It's so impactful that having a pretty face could even get you out of certain situations, such as tickets or allow others to look past your felony charges like in the case of Jeremy Meek who was convicted for possession of an unregistered firearm and robbery and somehow landed a modeling career behind bars - all because of pretty privilege. 

This article does not seek to condemn beauty at all it condemns the commodification of beauty, it condemns the creation and orchestration of insecurity among our young women and men that prompts them to go under the knife and tamper with their unique features all because they want to look good for 'the gram'.

This article doesn't aim to condemn body modifications either, it aims at creating awareness and making sure anyone who comes across it feels more confident in their skin because you have unique features that make you beautiful. There is no sense of self in looking like everyone else.

Being ‘pretty’ is not a problem, the problem is thinking that looking like the average Instagram influencer would solve all your problems. It won't, even those influencers have struggles. Consider enhancing your own features, not copying another.

What is the Instagram face?

There is a plague spreading on social media called the "Instagram face". The Instagram face is characterized by certain coveted features by the general public: pouty big lips, hollow cheeks, pointed nose, siren eyes and a sharp yet soft jawline. Of course these features come naturally to certain groups of people but usually, these features all together are rarely found in one person. It seeks to make one as racially ambiguous as possible and while it can be beautiful, it is nothing but an illusion. The long-term effect of these beauty procedures usually outweigh the instant gratification.

The Instagram face is a face fit for social media, it is a social media currency. Women all over the world have come to recognize the halo effect and everyone wants a piece of that pie. This is part of the reason why the Instagram face has become a phenomenon in today's world.

It is a sad occurrence plaguing our society because there is beauty in your uniqueness. Your nose isn't ugly, social media and plastic surgeons just want you to believe so, your face isn't too round, the make-up industry just wants you to think that it is. You don't have 'large pores' the skincare industry is just trying to sell you a product.

This promotion of the 'Instagram face' is only made worse by infuencers (some as young as 19!) being incentivised to push plastic surgery to their followers.

Some of the long-term disadvantages of the "Instagram face" include:

  • Unrealistic beauty standards: The "Instagram face" perpetuates unattainable ideals, undermining individuality and creating societal pressure. This social media-driven aesthetic promotes a homogenous look, overshadowing unique features and reinforcing unrealistic expectations for both women and men.
  • Self-esteem issues: The commodification of beauty has led many individuals, especially women, to view themselves as less valuable, not only in terms of appearance but also economically. There's a growing perception that without a certain look, one might be treated worse in professional settings.
  • Body dysmorphia: This is a persistent feeling of inadequacy with one's appearance. While one or two cosmetic procedures might satisfy some, many people find themselves caught in an endless cycle of dissatisfaction, and cosmetic surgery can become addictive.

There are a few ways I think we can address these issues:

  • Raising awareness about the long-term effects of cosmetic procedures, both physical and psychological.
  • Encouraging transparency from plastic surgeons about potential risks and realistic outcomes.
  • Promoting a culture of appreciation for diverse beauty, helping those around us feel attractive in their own skin.
  • Emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance.

We must try to break down this toxic spread of the "Instagram face" in order to protect the coming generation from developing serious self-esteem and psychological issues. The pervasive beauty standards are more than just a superficial trend - they're a genuine threat to mental well-being that requires thoughtful, collective action. Remember, you are beautiful inside and out.

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