The Truth Behind Faked Photos

We have all seen it. Images of models and actresses in books, magazines, and online where their waists have been altered to look razor thin and limbs to look longer or shorter; or even as simple as air brushing the skin to look a little clearer. Sometimes these images are blatantly obvious to have been faked and go viral as failed Photoshop attempts. But what about the images that make it through and enter circulation as the new beauty standard, despite being doctored? These altered images can have a profound and lasting effect on people and their health.

It may not be too hard to think about the effects these false body images can have on someone, especially young children and adolescents as their brains, bodies, and personalities are still developing. When they see models showing off a new line of makeup or the latest style of pants, but they have an unrealistic appearance, this can, and is often taken as the standard they should strive for. This could lead to mental and dietary disorders.

What is the most common stemming from this is anxiety and discomfort from trying to fill the unrealistic expectations. This can lead to other mental strain or disorders. However, there is a notion that Photoshopped images are the reason behind certain eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. However, according to Psychology Today, there is a big difference between an eating disorder and “disorderly eating”. According to them, disorderly eating includes things like diets or anything that would stay away from a person’s usual food consumption; and is usually somewhat temporary. This is what is really caused by false beauty images; bit is nonetheless still an issue in today's culture.

Despite this, it is still widely believed that eating disorders are mainly caused by advertising expectations. Recently in 2017, a law went into effect in France that requires any altered image to be printed with the phrase “photographie retouchée” which means “retouched photograph” in English. This move was made to try to combat the county’s growing problem with eating disorders. According to BBC, there are roughly between 30,000 and 40,000 people suffering from anorexia nervosa alone in France. The thought with this law is simple; if people know that the images are not real representations, then they can consciously know and act so the pictures don’t affect them. This may work with some individuals but, for the most part it will not. Research shows that these kinds of images have a subconscious effect on people. So even if they know its fake, they may still act as though it was real.

France has tried to take the issue into their own hands by implementing laws, but it is an issue that lies on the shoulders of us as consumers as well as companies and corporations to at least keep the system in check. As it becomes harder and harder to tell what is real or not online or in magazines, it is important to think critically and support your pears.