A total of 74% of Indian women lack self-confidence and wish to change their appearance so that they can upload better pictures, according to a study to measure the psychological effects of taking and posting selfies on social media.
The study, conducted for three months across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata, saw 300 women between 18 and 40 years of age posting selfies with and without alteration on their social media accounts.
Dr. Debraj Shome, director of the Esthetic Clinics, which commissioned the study, said the process of taking, altering and posting selfies negatively affects the self-esteem and body image and perception, and promotes body dysmorphia (abnormality in the shape or size of a body part).
“Participants in the survey who had to take selfies and post them on their social media accounts without any alteration seemed to be very anxious, less confident, and feel less physically attractive afterwards,” he said.
A report released said the negative effects of selfies on people were the most in Delhi, followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
“The overall data for India says 60% of men and 65% of women showed an increase in anxiety after posting their selfies on social media. It actually leads people to undergo cosmetic surgery in order to look good. Since the past decade, we have been observing people who come to us for surgery to get their old look. Hence, it is also clear through the study that 62% of men and 65% of women desire to change their looks through surgery,” Dr. Shome said.
The study also found that 65% of women and 62% of men consider the selfie to be an important reason to seek cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Shome said high body dissatisfaction is the primary risk factor for the development of eating disorders and is correlated with low self-esteem and depression, also causing mood swings and anxiety disorder. “Addiction to phones and selfies may create a mentally unstable next generation. Also, if this trend continues, India will become like California in the U.S., where a large portion of the population considers cosmetic surgeries,” he said.
Cosmetic dermatologist and co-founder of the Esthetic Clinics, Dr. Rinky Kapoor, said social media interactions are very common. “In fact, it affects introvert people who take these platforms to engage in public behaviour, even more. We strongly recommend that the government consider banning front-facing cameras in mobile phones. There is also a need to launch a nationwide campaign to discourage people from taking selfies,” Dr. Kapoor said.
