The Impact of Snapchat Filters on Self-esteem and Social Identity Among Female Adults

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the influence of Snapchat filters on self-esteem and social identity among female adults, specifically targeting 11th-grade students in government schools in Delhi. In an era characterised by the prominence of social media platforms, especially Snapchat, the utilisation of filters that modify appearance has become widespread. The filters, intended to augment physical attributes, may generate a significant disparity between users' authentic and digitally altered appearances, which could influence their self-perception and sense of identity. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with 17 female students from government schools to investigate their experiences and perceptions of Snapchat filters. The results indicate a notable influence on self-esteem and social identity. A significant 71% of participants indicated a reduction in self-esteem, experiencing feelings of inadequacy when juxtaposing their natural appearance with their filtered images. The study indicates that these filters play a role in altering social identity, with 82% of students reporting a sense of pressure to adhere to societal beauty standards propagated by the filters. The pressure to present an idealised version of oneself online has led to a preference for filtered appearances over natural looks, resulting in a distorted self-image. The research highlights the psychological implications of utilising Snapchat filters, indicating that persistent exposure to augmented images may result in a dependence on external validation and a disjunction between online identities and real-world selves. The findings indicate an increasing necessity for awareness and interventions focused on the effects of social media filters on the mental health of young adults. It is essential for educators and mental health professionals to formulate strategies aimed at fostering positive self-esteem and a healthy social identity, thereby assisting students in managing the challenges posed by digital beauty standards.

Keywords: Snapchat filters, Self-esteem, Social identity, Female adults, 11th-grade students, Government schools, Delhi