<br />In the age of front-facing cameras and smart apps, beauty no longer requires cosmetics, but rather a single click of a "filter." This technology has changed our perception of ourselves and even reshaped the concept of "real face."<br />What Are Filters?<br />Filters are editing tools used in photography apps (such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok) to alter or enhance facial shape, lighting, skin tone, and even facial features (such as a thinner nose, fuller lips, wider eyes, etc.).<br />Why Do We Use Them?<br />• To hide imperfections.<br />• To feel more confident when appearing in front of others.<br />• To conform to "digital beauty standards."<br />• Sometimes for fun or creativity, but for many people, it has become a daily habit.<br />How Does It Affect Our Self-Image?<br />1. Distorting Expectations<br />When we get used to seeing ourselves only through filters, we begin to compare our true appearance to this "enhanced" version, and we feel dissatisfied.<br />2. Declining Self-Confidence<br />Many people have become ashamed to appear. Without a filter, even in video calls or regular photos.<br />3. Psychological Pressure to Look Like<br />Filters have begun to promote a "uniform" form of beauty (small nose, full lips, smooth skin, etc.), which drives some to medically or cosmetically alter their features.<br />4. Weak Relationship with Self<br />The relationship with oneself becomes superficial, based on appearance rather than essence or personality.<br />When do filters turn from fun to a problem?<br />• When we can't post a photo of ourselves without them.<br />• When we feel our true appearance is "ugly" compared to what we show through filters.<br />• When we refuse to go out or meet others due to appearance anxiety.<br />• When we consider plastic surgery just to resemble our filtered appearance.<br />Is the solution to abandon filters altogether?<br />Not necessarily. Filters can be fun or artistic, but the most important thing is:<br />• Awareness that true beauty is diverse.<br />• Appreciation of your natural features.<br />• A balance between fun and your true self-image.<br />How do we maintain a healthy self-image?<br />1. See yourself through the mirror of love, not through the mirror of shame. Filters.<br />2. Follow accounts that promote natural beauty.<br />3. Talk to yourself positively.<br />4. Practice gratitude for your body shape and health.<br />5. Don't compare yourself to what you see on social media.<br />Conclusion:<br />Technology may create perfect images, but they don't always reflect reality. Your true beauty doesn't need editing. Filters may enhance the image, but you don't need a filter to be truly beautiful.<br /><br />Al _ Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq<br />Prepared by: Shahad Nawras Abbas<br />