Essay On Photo Editing

The Effect of Photo Editing on Women- Through the Usage of Facebook
The media is comprised of false depictions. Constructing thin, flawless and unblemished representatives in order to promote business is one of the most widely used tactics different industries have become practicing. The large variety of photo-editing applications available has enabled businesses to recreate their models to such an extent that these models appear so perfect they cannot even be considered physically human. In an interview with Tim Lynch, a professional photographer and retoucher of 26 years, he estimates that 99.9% of all photographs are retouched in advertisements today. Although consumers are becoming more aware of this practice, allowing them to assume the majority of images they see have been altered, there are still many unaware—many of which being adolescents. With the explosive amount of popularity social media has gained among adolescents, this type of media has become one of the most valuable platforms businesses have begun generating money on through advertisement. However, the constant exposure of these edited advertisements has developed major issues. In this paper I will discuss the faults associated with photo-editing and argue that it is one of the main causes of body image dissatisfaction present among young women. In addition I will discuss why social media networks, specifically Facebook, should either change their policy and refuse to promote any edited advertisements on their networks or simply reject the advertisements that don’t clearly state to the public that they have been edited.
Advertisements through social media that are targeted toward adolescents, specifically young women, all hold one reoccurring theme—these immacul...

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...ceptable. Additionally they need to start informing their readers on the where’s, why’s and how’s of these policies.” This exact thing was done in France and the UK back in 2009, where a rally occurred by legislators to require photos that have been digitally retouched to have a label saying so. “The label should read, ‘Retouched photograph aimed at changing a person’s physical appearance”, explained Valerie Boyer, a member of the French Parliament. She went on to say “These photos can lead people to believe in a reality that does not actually exist and have a detrimental effect on adolescents. It’s not a question about public health, but also a way of protecting the consumer.” (Willingham, 2012). When Beck is asked whether she believes this is a good idea she responds by saying “we should put warnings and notifications on photo that has been retouched, absolutely.”