Let’s talk about social media and how it’s used to to create a false perception of what’s real, especially when it comes to filters and editing your pictures to make you look perfect.

Basically, people use filters to look different and help them gain likes and comments, or it helps them decrease their likes and comments. It’s basically promoting a false version of yourself to gain other people’s approval and validation.

What do you think the effects of filters are on people? Especially, youth mental health?

I think it makes us feel like we’re supposed to look different and that looking natural, like not wearing makeup is not supposed to happen. It’s basically that you’re supposed to wear a filter, you’re supposed to look different to be liked in public, and that if you go as your natural self, then it’s not the same, that it’s not welcomed by the community.

What do you think we can do to combat this expectation and standard?

I think self-awareness and self-confidence are important in this one. I think there are too many kids that don’t realize that they’re doing it and don’t realize that it’s actually taking a toll on their mental health. Realizing that I might use a filter, but it doesn’t change anything about me, nor does it change the validation that I should be receiving, and changing my appearance doesn’t change my personality.