#bodymodification

In today’s digital environment, visual social media platforms have become central spaces where ideas about beauty, health, and identity are constantly constructed and negotiated. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are especially influential because they prioritise images and short videos enhanced by filters and editing tools.

A key concept in this topic is body modification, which includes not only physical procedures such as cosmetic surgery or fillers, but also digital alterations like beauty filters, face-smoothing tools, and AI editing apps. These tools allow users to instantly reshape their appearance, creating highly curated versions of themselves that may differ significantly from reality (Coffey et al., 2025).

A clear example of this is the global “Instagram Face” trend, where users adopt similar beauty standards such as flawless skin, defined jawlines, and fuller lips, often achieved through filters or cosmetic enhancements. Influencers and celebrities contribute heavily to this aesthetic, reinforcing a narrow definition of beauty. Research shows that repeated exposure to idealised body images on social media can negatively affect body satisfaction and self-esteem, particularly among young users (Saiphoo & Vahedi, 2019).

In the Malaysian context, this trend can also be seen among local influencers such as Scha Alyahya, who frequently shares highly polished and stylised content on social media. While she is widely admired for her fashion and beauty influence, her posts also reflect how professional photography, makeup, and editing contribute to curated online appearances. This demonstrates how even well-known public figures participate in shaping digital beauty standards that audiences may compare themselves to.

From a digital citizenship perspective, this raises important questions about responsibility and awareness. Influencers play a key role in shaping audience perceptions of beauty and health. Some promote transparency by discussing cosmetic procedures or disclosing edits, while others present heavily curated images without explanation. This can blur the boundary between authentic and enhanced appearance, making it difficult for audiences to critically interpret what they see online (Aker et al., 2024).

A growing concern linked to this is “filter dysmorphia,” especially on platforms like TikTok, where users become accustomed to their filtered appearance and may feel dissatisfied with their natural look (Leno, 2026). This highlights how digital tools can influence not only aesthetics but also mental well-being.

However, social media is not entirely negative. Many creators use their platforms to promote body positivity and digital health education, encouraging audiences to accept natural appearances and be more critical of edited content. This reflects responsible digital citizenship, where users actively contribute to healthier online environments.

In my opinion, body modification on social media exists on a spectrum. While it can enhance creativity and self-expression, it also carries risks when unrealistic standards become normalised. Therefore, digital literacy is essential so users can recognise edited content and engage with social media in a more informed and critical way.

References

Saiphoo, A. N., & Vahedi, Z. (2019). A meta-analytic review of the relationship between social media use and body image disturbance. Computers in Human Behavior, 101, 259–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.028

Aker, S., Kartal, Y. A., Bulut, A., & Hızlıol, B. (2024). The Identity of Motherhood Transformed by Social Media: A phenomenological study. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, 7(3), 478–486. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1451289

Leno, M., PhD. (2026, January 23). How social media filters reshape self-image, perception, and mental health. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters/202601/what-is-filter-dysmorphia-and-why-is-it-alarming