Social Media-Induced Body Image Manipulations: The Psychological Effects of Instagram Story Filters on Cosmetic Surgery and Self-Esteem

A rising concern in the digital age is the use of Instagram story filters that undermine the fragile balance between beauty perception and self-esteem. This study highlights the negative effects of these filters on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery and self-esteem, thereby providing a significant platform for discussion regarding the influence of digital culture on body image. Utilizing a correlational research design, 506 female participants who actively use Instagram story filters were voluntarily included in the study. The Instagram Story Filters Usage Scale, the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used as data collection tools. Pearson Correlation, Simple Linear Regression, and Independent Samples T-Test were applied using the SPSS program for analysis. The research findings revealed significant positive correlations between the use of Instagram story filters, the tendency to accept cosmetic surgery and self-esteem indicating that increased filter use was associated with increased cosmetic surgery acceptance and decreased self-esteem. Regression analysis findings showed that the increase in the tendency to accept cosmetic surgery and the decrease in self-esteem could be significantly explained using Instagram story filters. Additionally, participants' beauty perception was found to be negatively affected using Instagram story filters. These findings demonstrate the potential adverse effects of digital beauty filters on women's self-perception and attitudes towards aesthetic procedures. Based on these findings, we discussed the implications for existing research and proposed recommendations for future investigations in the field.