Seeing yourself through selfies: a distorted perception?

The explosion of the phenomenon is dizzying: between 2012 and 2014, the number of selfies increased 900-foldaccording to this 2015 study, published in ACM Digital Library. A galloping popularization, which can be linked to numerous factors, such as the explosion of social networks which promote instant sharing, and a form of digital narcissism mixed with a need to belong.

However, this practice has become, for some, the equivalent of a daily distorting mirror, slyly modifying our relationship with ourselves, to the point of sometimes creating real disturbances of perception.

The technical trap of the selfie: when optics distort reality

The distortion of our image by selfies is not trivial and can be explained firstly by implacable technical constraints. The wide-angle lens of our smartphones, essential for making beaux selfies, generates barrel distortion which considerably distorts our features. This is a type of optical distortion well known in the photography world that makes straight lines in an image appear to be curved inward.

The closer the lens, the more the elements of the face seem to move away from each other: the nose appears more prominent, the ears smaller, the chin wider. This perspective distortion is particularly accentuated at the edges of the frame, where the light must travel a more complex path to the sensor.

Unlike professional photographers who can use more flattering telephoto lenses and maintain an appropriate distance from their subject, we are prisoners of the physical limitations of our arms and the lenses of our phones. As you can see in the image below, the difference is more than visible.

From automatic retouching to dysmorphophobia: the excesses of a social practice

Beyond optical distortions, digital processing of selfies adds an extra layer of reality alteration. Many apps automatically apply filters that refine the face, smooth the skin, enlarge the eyes or whiten the teeth, sometimes without our knowledge. We think in particular of Snapchat, armored with mechanisms of this kind, Instagram and its AR (augmented reality) filters which automatically beautify selfies or TikTok which also offers automatic filters.

However, these systematic manipulations of our image are not without consequences on the social fabric. The Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, an American professional organization which brings together surgeons specializing in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, reports alarming figures. Cosmetic surgery requests inspired by filtered selfies increased from 42% in 2015 to 72% in 2019. That’s an increase of 71.43% in five poor years!

Another worrying fact reported by experts: the emergence of a new form of dysmorphia disorderversion 3.0. According to the MSD definition, dysmorphophobia is “ characterized by a preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance that are not apparent or appear slight to other people . Some specialists have given this new disorder a name: “ Snapchat Dysmorphia ».

Users, too accustomed to seeing a retouched version of themselves, are victims growing dissatisfaction with their natural appearance. Social networks, like Snapchat in this case (even if it is not the only one), also promote social comparison, encouraging individuals to always want to compare themselves to others and to their idealized representations. This constant search for likes and positive comments reinforces the idea that physical appearance is the key to social validation and therefore finds particularly fertile ground in retouched selfies.

The psychological impact of this daily practice is all the more insidious as it takes place over time: by seeing ourselves mainly through these distorted images, we end up integrating them as our main visual referenceto the detriment of the most faithful reflection. That of the traditional mirror, which will never lie to you. The latter is undoubtedly your most precious ally for reconnect with your true body image.

• Selfies distort our perception of ourselves due to the optical constraints of smartphones and automatic filters in apps.
• This image distortion amplifies personal dissatisfaction and has led to a dramatic increase in requests for cosmetic surgery linked to selfies in the USA.
• Continued exposure to edited images fuels unrest and reinforces social pressure based on appearance.

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