New Research Suggests That Heightened Screen Time And “Selfie Culture” Are Pushing People To Undergo Plastic Surgery In Order To Replicate Filtered Photos Of Themselves

“However, the filter effects and extensive photo manipulation often create images that are physically unattainable,” the team noted.

The researchers suggest that the altered perception of body image, fueled by “selfie culture,” led to a rise in cosmetic procedures during the pandemic – a period marked by significantly increased screen time. In fact, according to the study, around 3.5 billion individuals were active on social media in 2019, dedicating more than 6.3 hours daily to internet use.

“While there was an increase in cosmetic focus during the COVID pandemic, until now, there has not been data highlighting a clear link or factors that made patients more or less likely to participate in cosmetic treatments,” said Dr. Neelam Vashi, one of the study’s authors.

Now, the study’s results have led the researchers to recommend that doctors talk about internet usage with their patients.

“Quality care begins with quality conversations, and we hope this study encourages providers to ask about all aspects of a patient’s life to better understand their motivations and goals of care,” Dr. Vashi concluded.

To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, visit the link here.