Puncturing self-confidence, reveals study
The inability to get that perfect selfie punctures the confidence of 74 per cent of Indian women and they want to change how they look. This is the finding of a study conducted by The Esthetic Clinics, India.
This is the firstever experimental study conducted in India on the psychological effects of clicking and posting selfies on social media sites. “Nearly 300 people across four cities had participated in the survey, which revealed that taking, altering and posting selfies negatively affects self-esteem and body image perception as well as promotes body dysmorphia,” said a doctor.
He further said findings have clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of mental health difficulties and raise significant concerns about social media use and well-being.
“The study also found people who posted untouched selfies, that is, without using filters, found themselves increasingly anxious and less confident. Those posting untouched and even retouched selfies also experienced a significant decrease in feelings of physical attractiveness,” said doctor.
Dr Debraj Shome, director, The Esthetic Clinics, said, "There is a significant negative effect of taking and posting selfies on mood and feelings of physical attractiveness. The act of selfies being taken and posted contributes to significant feelings of inadequacy over looks and a strong desire to change looks through cosmetic surgeries and procedures. If this is not stopped, India will become another California, where large sections of the population consider cosmetic surgery.”
Dr Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and co-founder of the clinic, said selfies are a risk to one’s life and limb, with hundreds of people dying or sustaining injuries while taking selfies.
"The government is seriously considering banning mobile phones with front cameras. There is also a need to launch a nationwide campaign to discourage people from taking selfies," she said.
“For the first time, the study has shown selfies have an adverse psychological effect on one’s personality too and the impact is even more devastating for people with low self-esteem who take to social media to engage in public behaviour,” said Dr Kapoor.