#softwareliteracy

Week 9: Digital Citizenship and Software literacy: Instagram Filters

In today’s digital culture, social media users interact with software constantly, often without fully understanding how it shapes their online experiences. One important concept discussed this week is software literacy, which refers to the ability to critically understand how digital tools, algorithms, filters, and platforms influence communication, identity, and behavior online. Software literacy is now an essential part of digital citizenship because social media platforms are not neutral spaces — they actively shape how users present themselves and interact with others.

A strong example of this can be seen through Instagram filters. On Instagram, filters are widely used to enhance photos and videos by smoothing skin, changing facial structure, adjusting lighting, or adding visual effects. Although filters may appear harmless or entertaining, they also influence beauty standards and self-perception. Many users, especially young people, become accustomed to seeing idealized versions of themselves online, which can affect confidence and body image.

Research shows that image-editing features and augmented reality (AR) filters can contribute to unrealistic beauty expectations and increased appearance dissatisfaction (Parry et al., 2021). This is especially significant because many filters subtly alter facial features without users fully recognizing how dramatically their appearance has changed. Software therefore becomes invisible yet powerful in shaping identity and social interaction online.

One example that gained widespread attention was Instagram’s removal of certain cosmetic surgery filters in 2019 after concerns that they negatively affected mental health. Filters that simulated plastic surgery effects were criticized for encouraging users to compare themselves to unrealistic beauty standards. This demonstrates how software design can directly influence psychological well-being and public perceptions of beauty (BBC News, 2019).

In the Malaysian context, Instagram filters are heavily used among lifestyle influencers and content creators. Influencers such as Vivy Yusof often share polished and aesthetically curated content that reflects broader Instagram beauty culture. While these visuals are part of branding and digital marketing strategies, they also contribute to audience expectations about appearance and lifestyle. Many users may not realise how much editing, lighting adjustment, or filter enhancement contributes to these seemingly “perfect” images.

Software literacy becomes important because users need to recognise that social media content is often shaped by algorithms and editing tools rather than representing reality directly. According to Manovich (2020), software now acts as a cultural layer that influences nearly every aspect of modern communication and media production. In other words, software is no longer just a tool — it actively structures digital culture itself.

At the same time, filters are not entirely negative. Many creators use them creatively for humour, storytelling, branding, or artistic expression. Instagram filters can make content more engaging and allow users to experiment with identity in playful ways (Rahman et al., 2022). However, digital citizens must still approach these tools critically and understand how they affect perceptions of authenticity, beauty, and self-worth.

In my opinion, software literacy is becoming just as important as traditional media literacy. People often focus on the content they see online without questioning the software systems behind it. Understanding how filters, algorithms, and editing tools operate can help users become more informed and responsible digital citizens. Rather than blindly accepting filtered realities, users should develop critical awareness about how digital platforms shape both online culture and personal identity.

References

Parry, D. A., Fisher, J. T., Mieczkowski, H., Sewall, C. J., & Davidson, B. I. (2021). Social media and well-being: A methodological perspective. Current Opinion in Psychology, 45, 101285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.11.005

BBC News. (2019, October 23). Instagram bans “cosmetic surgery” filters. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50152053

Manovich, L. (2020). Cultural Analytics. In The MIT Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/11214.001.0001

Hey, thanks for stopping by again. Let's jump right into today's topic!

This week’s topic explores the role of Instagram filters as a key example of how everyday digital tools shape the way we see ourselves and others. While filters are often used for fun, creativity, or self-expression, they also have deeper effects that are worth examining. This is where two important concepts come into focus, digital citizenship and software literacy. In the case of Instagram filters, these tools may seem harmless on the surface, but they often subtly change beauty standards and affect people’s self-image, especially among younger users. This makes it important not only to use filters carefully, but also to understand the technology behind them and how they impact digital culture.

Digital citizenship is about how we behave online, ethically, critically, and responsibly (Team 2023). It’s more than just avoiding online drama or being polite; it includes understanding how digital tools affect ourselves and others.

Software literacy, on the other hand, is about being aware of how the digital tools we use every day are designed, how they function, and how they shape our behaviors and perceptions (Khoo et al. 2017). When it comes to visual social media especially Instagram, filters are a prime example of software that subtly but powerfully shapes identity and self-expression.

The increasing realism and AI-driven precision of face filters make it difficult for users especially youngers to distinguish between reality and augmentation. Without the software literacy to understand how these filters work, many fall into cycles of comparison, self-doubt, and a desire to match these digital ideals offline (Fardouly et al. 2015).

Instagram launched face filters in 2017, similar to what Snapchat had already been doing. This added a new layer of personal transformation, allowing users to smooth skin, reshape facial features, and even alter eye color in real-time. While many filters are used for fun, others fall under the beauty category and that’s where the conversation becomes more serious. Filters like “Paris,” “Glow,” and “Perfect Face” are known for narrowing the nose, enlarging the eyes, lightening the skin, and creating a more symmetrical, ideal appearance.

In recent years, the term “Snapchat dysmorphia” has been used by doctors and researchers to describe a growing trend where people seeking cosmetic surgery not to look like celebrities or models, but to look like their filtered selfies. This trend has been linked to apps like Snapchat and Instagram, where beauty filters can dramatically reshape facial features such as smoothing skin, enlarging eyes, contouring jawlines, and lightening skin tones. Over time, regular exposure to these filters can distort a person’s self-perception, making them feel that their natural appearance is flawed. This has led to rising concerns about body image issues, particularly among younger users who are still developing their sense of identity. The underlying issue stems from a lack of software literacy, many users don’t realise how filters are designed to reflect narrow beauty ideals. To prevent further harm, platforms should label filtered content more clearly, and digital education should focus on helping users understand how filters manipulate appearance. By promoting digital awareness and self-acceptance, we can reduce the harmful effects of filter-driven beauty standards.

As digital citizens, we should understand how filters impact our appearance and self-esteem, and recognise that not everything we see online is real. Being responsible doesn't mean avoiding filters altogether, it means understanding how they work, questioning their effects, and using them with awareness. With honesty and intention, we can engage with filters more thoughtfully and help create a more positive and authentic online space.

Until next time, happy reading!

References:

Fardouly, J, Diedrichs, PC, Vartanian, LR & Halliwell, E 2015, ‘Social Comparisons on Social media: the Impact of Facebook on Young women’s Body Image Concerns and Mood’, Body Image, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 38–45.

Global News 2019, Selfie Dysmorphia: How social media filters are distorting beauty 🤳🏽, YouTube.

Khoo, E, Hight, C, Torrens, R & Cowie, B 2017, Software Literacy, Springer briefs in education, Springer Nature (Netherlands).

Migala, J 2018, What Is ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’? A Detailed Look at the Trend | Everyday Health, EverydayHealth.com.

In today’s post, we’re diving into the world of Instagram filters and their role in shaping digital citizenship and software literacy. Filters are more than just fun effects - they influence how we see ourselves and others, sometimes altering perceptions in profound ways. With their growing popularity, understanding the implications of filters can help us navigate social media more responsibly.

WEEK 9 - Software Literacy: Instagram Filters

Hey hey hey, my fellow bloggie peeps ✨

Guess who's back with another blog post? That's right, it's me! 🩷

I’m back with another fabulous blog post, and today, we’re diving into the world of digital citizenship and software literacy through the lens of none other than the Instagram Queen herself—Selena Gomez!

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍

Selena Gomez isn’t just a superstar in the music and film industry; she’s also a powerhouse on social media, particularly Instagram. With millions of followers hanging on to her every post, Selena has mastered the art of digital citizenship and software literacy, especially when it comes to using Instagram filters to enhance her influence.

Selena Gomez has been in the public eye since her Disney days, but her reign as the Instagram Queen truly began when she embraced the platform to connect with her fans in a more personal and authentic way. Her posts are a blend of professional shots, candid moments, and everything in between, showing her versatility and relatability (Joyce 2023).

But what makes Selena’s Instagram presence so impactful? A big part of it is her savvy use of Instagram filters. These filters aren’t just fun; they’re powerful tools that can shape perceptions, set trends, and boost engagement.

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒

Selena uses Instagram filters to their full potential, creating visually stunning and cohesive feeds that keep her followers coming back for more. Whether it’s the dreamy glow of a vintage filter, the vibrant pop of color from a high-contrast filter, or the subtle enhancements of a natural filter, Selena knows exactly how to make her photos stand out.

Filters can do more than just beautify an image—they can convey a mood, tell a story, and even create a brand identity. Selena’s consistent filter choices help her maintain a recognizable and appealing aesthetic that resonates with her audience (Rees 2017).

𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘

Selena Gomez’s mastery of Instagram filters isn’t just about looking good; it’s about influencing the media industry in a big way. By setting trends with her filtered photos, she’s able to guide her followers’ tastes and preferences. Brands and influencers often look to her for inspiration, mimicking her style to tap into her massive appeal.

Her influence extends beyond Instagram, affecting how visual media is consumed and created. The filters she uses can inspire entire marketing campaigns, product launches, and fashion trends. When Selena posts, the world listens—and they learn (Powell 2016).

Selena Gomez is a shining example of how to harness the power of Instagram filters to build a personal brand, influence the media industry, and connect with a global audience. Her savvy use of these tools showcases the importance of digital citizenship and software literacy in today’s social media-driven world (Brown & Tiggemann 2020).

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘

One of the most powerful aspects of Selena’s Instagram presence is her authenticity. She doesn’t just use filters to hide flaws; she uses them to enhance her reality. By sharing moments of vulnerability alongside her polished posts, she creates a genuine connection with her audience. This balance of authenticity and artistry is what makes her a true digital citizen and a role model in software literacy.

In summary, I personally feel that Selena Gomez is a shining example of how to harness the power of Instagram filters to build a personal brand, influence the media industry, and connect with a global audience. Her savvy use of these tools showcases the importance of digital citizenship and software literacy in today’s social media-driven world.

So, next time you’re scrolling through Instagram and come across one of Selena’s perfectly filtered posts, remember that there’s more to it than meets the eye. It’s a masterclass in digital influence, brought to you by the one and only Instagram Queen.

Keep snapping, filtering, and shining, my peeps! 💖

Stay tuned for more insightful posts, and as always, keep expressing yourself and exploring the digital world! ✨

Love, Zen 🌸

REFERENCES

Brown, Z & Tiggemann, M 2020, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words: The effect of viewing celebrity Instagram images with disclaimer and body positive captions on women’s body image’, Body Image, vol. 33, no. 33, pp. 190–198.

Joyce, JA 2023, The Social Protests of 2020: Visceral Responses to Police Brutality, COVID-19, and Circumscribed Sexuality, Google Books, Rowman & Littlefield, viewed 17 June 2024, https://books.google.com.my/books?hl=en&lr=&id=F83DEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA125&dq=selena+gomez+instagram+filters+&ots=UEFsnkJjNj&sig=Vd4LPWUBfzx9yfxji7C19OtswOE&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false.

Powell, M 2016, ‘A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: A Content Analysis of Self-Inflicted Face-ism on Instagram’.