Filters: Are They Enhancing Us or Eroding Us?
We have to ask ourselves: Have filters gone from fun, playful enhancements to an almost obligatory part of showing up online? The line between self-expression and filtered perfection has blurred, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like we have to share our faces or speak into our phones to tell our stories. But here at Pretty Skin Bitch, we’re challenging that narrative—not just because it goes against our ethos but because it’s affecting our mental health in ways we need to address.
The Pressure to Perform
Let’s get real: There's this trend demanding that we show up daily, polished and filtered, sharing the most intimate parts of our lives with whoever happens to scroll past. And while sharing your story can be empowering, it’s also okay to reject that pressure. The natural lines on our faces, the unique texture of our skin, and the joy of being in a moment often get filtered away, hidden behind a quest for perfection. But just because it feels like everyone else is doing it doesn’t make it right.
What often goes unspoken is how these filters impact mental health. By altering appearances and capturing only our "perfect" moments, we send a message to ourselves that we're not enough as we are. And if it feels like the pressure to keep up is overwhelming—you’re not alone. We’ve all felt that push, but it's okay not to participate in this digital perfection game.
For the Sake of Our Young People
Young people are growing up thinking that a filtered, curated life is the standard. It’s on us to stand against this and set a real example of self-acceptance. Let’s show them that it’s more than okay to put down the phone and be present. Not every interesting moment needs to be recorded, shared, or dressed up with an effect. The best memories are often the ones that live just in your mind, where you’re fully there, in all your raw beauty and truth.
Let’s make those memories that don’t exist on a feed but live vividly in our hearts.
True Self-Expression is Yours to Define
Filters can be a form of self-expression, sure. But remember: self-expression doesn’t have to look like what everyone else is doing. It’s okay if your version doesn’t involve a filter, a selfie, or a perfectly curated story. It’s okay if your best moments are just for you and the people you’re with—not for a quick photo to show the world.
By choosing to show up as you are, you give others permission to do the same. When we choose to be real, we remind those around us—especially young people—that authenticity is a radical act.
The Power of Being Present
Try this: The next time you're loving a moment, resist the urge to capture it on your phone. Feel it, let it sink in, and carry it as a memory. True living isn’t something that can be filtered or posted. It’s raw, unedited, and fully yours.
When it comes to skin, we say—love what you have, celebrate your texture, and know that beauty is so much more than an Instagram post. At Pretty Skin Bitch, it’s about showing up in the way that feels right for you. No filter required. Stay Real. Stay You.
