Our psychiatrist, Dr. Victor Kwok, explores how Instagram’s beauty filters and curated content impact young users’ body image. Drawing from his research and clinical experience, Dr. Kwok discusses social media’s role in body image challenges and offers guidance on navigating these pressures and fostering healthier self-esteem.
From your experience, how have platforms like Instagram, with their widespread use of beauty filters, contributed to body image issues, particularly in young users?
Dr. Victor Kwok: Body image is our perception, thoughts, and emotions about our own bodies. A study led by me, published in 2016 when I was at Singapore General Hospital, examined social media use in people with eating disorders. Out of 55 participants with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, 41.8% felt that social media perpetuated their illness, although 32.7% believed it was helpful for recovery. We also found that younger individuals were more susceptible to the negative influence of social media. Greater use of social media is associated with greater severity of illness, suggesting that this is an important area for mental health professionals to address. Similarly, overseas studies have found a positive correlation between social media use and body image issues due to social comparison, where individuals compare their own physical appearance to those they follow.
I think people use beauty filters because they are fun, silly, and flattering. However, some individuals, especially younger ones, may perceive Instagram as reality. They might forget that photos are carefully curated and can be edited with apps and filters. This illusion of perfection—often depicted as thinness, flawless skin, or sharp noses—is unrealistic and unattainable. It may be subconsciously internalised, contributing to body image disturbances when we compare ourselves to the influencers we follow. This can lead to a drive for thinness, shame about our own bodies, and exaggerated concerns about our appearance. Some examples of mental health conditions associated with body image disturbances are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and body dysmorphic disorder.
More malicious “pro-eating disorder” social media groups that promote eating disorders used to be very prevalent, but most social media platforms now allow us to flag and ban them.
How frequently do you encounter patients who cite social media and beauty filters as a direct source of body image dissatisfaction or anxiety? Have you noticed an increase in the number of patients discussing social media-induced body dysmorphia or appearance-related anxiety in recent years?
Dr Kwok: Not frequently. I feel that many psychiatrists and psychologists sometimes forget to ask about social media use because we are from Gen X or the Boomer generation. However, I do recall some male patients with bulimia nervosa discussing muscular Korean influencers that they follow, using terms like “fitspo” or “thinspiration.”
Overall, most social media-related issues I see are more related to FOMO (fear of missing out), such as classmates going out without inviting them. Some concerns are tied to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, for example: “Other people look so good after childbirth, but look at me.” They compare themselves negatively, not realising that beauty filters and apps can alter appearances.
Can you share any specific cases where beauty filters on platforms like Instagram have played a significant role in a patient’s mental health challenges?
Dr Kwok: One of my patients is a 17-year-old girl with anorexia nervosa. The precipitating factor was her move to Singapore from China, which made coping with schoolwork difficult. Her parents also had marital conflicts, and she found that controlling her weight and eating helped her feel a sense of control. While social media may not have played a significant role in causing her illness, it did contribute to its perpetuation. When I explained that every body is different and that it’s okay to be at a normal weight, she often retorted by showing me pictures of the slim, fair, and popular people that she follows on social media. She claimed that her classmates are underweight, although this is likely a distortion of her perception. During her clinic visits, she applied makeup to look very fair. I often wonder if she realises that these influencers are using beauty filters.
Are there particular demographics—such as teens or young adults—who seem to be more vulnerable to body image issues linked to Instagram’s filter culture?
Dr Victor: Studies have consistently found that teenage girls are more vulnerable. Research also indicates that when family culture or parents place more emphasis on appearance, the risk of developing eating disorders increases. Those who are perfectionistic or impulsive may be more prone to eating disorders.
In treating patients affected by body image issues tied to social media, what therapeutic approaches do you find most effective in helping them navigate these pressures?
Dr Victor: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a helpful approach for treating individuals with body image issues. For younger patients with eating disorders, we use Family-Based Therapy, emphasizing the restoration of normal eating behaviours and guiding parents in helping their children challenge distorted body image perceptions.
Meta’s decision to ban third-party beauty filters on Instagram has stirred mixed reactions. Do you expect to see any immediate changes in patient behavior or mindset after the removal of beauty filters, or do you think the effects of social media’s influence on body image are too deeply ingrained?
Dr Victor: I believe it is a positive development that social media companies are beginning to be held accountable. It represents a step forward for society to embrace all types of shapes and body weights. This will definitely help my patients.
Do you think this ban could lead to a shift towards more authentic content, or will the desire for “perfection” persist in other forms?
Dr Victor: I believe it will shift toward more authentic content. Even my doctor friends who are also influencers tell me that they get just as many likes on videos with no filters.
How can social media platforms further promote healthy body image and self-esteem beyond just banning beauty filters?
Dr Victor: Social media platforms and big corporations should continue to foster conversations and implement inclusive practices regarding race, shape, and gender in the content they promote. I feel that compared to ten years ago, there has been greater awareness and progress in this aspect.
What advice would you give to young people struggling with body image issues as a result of social media use, and how can their friends help?
Dr Victor: I think schools need to encourage ongoing discussions about cyber wellness and mental health. This can be done through school events and classroom discussions.
Parents can assist their children by ensuring age-appropriate access to social media, following the recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education. I always encourage parents to download and use the apps their kids are using to better understand what they’re viewing, facilitating safer online discussions.
For teens, I advise being mindful of their usage; if it becomes triggering, they should try to limit their use and avoid certain accounts. I also teach kids simple mindfulness exercises and the importance of self-compassion—being kind to themselves and understanding that thinness or perfect skin is not a measure of self-control or success.
In a world shaped by social media and digital impressions, navigating body image can feel challenging—especially for young people. At Private Space Medical, we are dedicated to supporting individuals in building healthier self-esteem and fostering authentic self-acceptance. If social media pressures have impacted how you or a loved one feel about your body, please know that help is available. Our experienced team is here to guide you through these challenges with compassion and expertise. Reach out to us today to take the first step towards a healthier mindset and a more positive self-image.