How fake filters and co harm our self-image

Anna, one of our interviewees, confessed to our team that in the early days of their relationship, she never took off her makeup when her boyfriend spent the night with her. “I was afraid he wouldn’t like me without makeup.” But is flawless appearance really the most important thing men expect from their partners? After a few weeks, the pressure fell off her because it was clear: He also loves her crumpled up and without a shower, like a complete package. As a human.

The fears have little to do with men’s partnership values. The film industry makes people believe that beauty can be rewarded with true love. Stars wake up in the movie with the perfect haircut and make-up. That’s what they should love.

Influencers reinforce this myth on Instagram, TikTok and Co. With the perfect body, you can (apparently) live the perfect life – and anyone can achieve it if they put in the effort. Teens want to look like their photos on social media with filters. And then they get desperate when they look in the mirror. Some adults are also pursued by barely achievable beauty ideals as if every day is Halloween. So it’s no wonder that only a few pictures on this world’s dating portals match the actual appearance of the singles.

Against the toxic beauty standards on social media, women should be encouraged to go without makeup if they want to. Melisa Raouf shows that you can be popular just the way you are. She competed for more undisguised truth in England’s Miss Pageant – and qualified for the final without any makeup at all.

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dr. Barbara Rothmüller, sociologist and sex educator