In the age of social media, beauty trends have an unprecedented influence on how we define beauty, often shaping societal perceptions in ways that can be harmful. As beauty standards evolve, it is crucial to question the impact these trends have on individuals’ self-esteem and the broader cultural implications.
A Question of Definition
Beauty is, undoubtedly, a subjective concept. What one person finds attractive, another might not, and the reasons for these preferences are as varied as the individuals themselves. Yet, despite this inherent subjectivity, society often places disproportionate emphasis on physical appearance as the cornerstone of beauty.
This growing fixation on outward appearance can be damaging, particularly when beauty standards are shaped by trends that spread rapidly across the internet. These trends, though initially harmless, can foster insecurities and distort people’s perceptions of themselves.
Social Media’s Role in Shaping Beauty Perceptions
One example of this is the “deer pretty” or “bunny pretty” trend on TikTok. Initially conceived as a playful and light-hearted way to compliment others, it quickly gained traction as an aesthetic standard. While the original intent may not have been to create feelings of insecurity, the widespread nature of such trends underscores how social media can shape the way we perceive beauty—often in a way that leaves little room for diversity or individual interpretation.
This phenomenon extends beyond harmless fun. For instance, when the internet became obsessed with “cortisol face” and its supposed link to facial sagging, online communities began policing everyday activities like drinking coffee through a straw, warning that such habits could lead to jowls. This trend, though based on questionable science, highlights a disturbing shift towards micromanaging physical appearance in the name of beauty.
The Danger of ‘Facial Harmony’
Another concerning trend is the rise of “facial harmony,” which promotes the idea that facial features should be balanced and in sync with one another. At its core, this trend suggests that beauty lies in symmetry and the absence of features that stand out. While this may seem innocuous on the surface, it encourages a harmful mindset when people start evaluating their facial features as either “good” or “bad,” based on whether they conform to this ideal of balance.
The use of moral language to describe facial features—such as calling a feature “good” or “bad”—raises troubling questions. What criteria are being used to define these terms, and who is determining them? If the standard is rooted in Eurocentric ideals, the implications are even more problematic, as it dismisses the beauty of diverse cultural and ethnic expressions. The focus on physical traits in such a moralistic context is not only reductive but also harkens back to dangerous historical ideologies like eugenics and phrenology, which were used to justify racial discrimination.
Social Media’s Power and Responsibility
Social media, as a tool of mass communication, holds immense power to shape societal norms and perceptions. It can either drive positive change or perpetuate harmful ideals, depending on how it is used. As these beauty trends continue to gain traction, it is essential to critically assess their long-term effects on how we view ourselves and others.
The rise of trends like “facial harmony” may indicate that our perceptions of beauty are already distorted. If we allow these trends to go unchallenged, we risk further entrenching a narrow, exclusionary definition of beauty that fails to embrace the diversity of human appearance.
A Call for Re-Evaluation
To foster a healthier and more inclusive definition of beauty, we must decenter physical appearance from the equation. We should question the origins of our beauty standards and the forces that perpetuate them. Beauty, after all, is more than skin deep, and it’s time we start recognizing the value of inner qualities, diversity, and self-expression.
As we move forward, it’s worth reflecting on what beauty truly means to us, beyond the trends and pressures of the moment. What does beauty look like when we look past the surface? Perhaps this is the question we should be asking ourselves—and each other.
Related Topics
