Filtered Narratives & Authenticity in the Digital Age

From the animated puppy ears to the astonishingly realistic full-face makeup transformations, it’s safe to say that the filter game has levelled up in the past decade, and Augmented Reality (AR) has undoubtedly brought about innovative experiences. What began as an exclusive Snapchat feature, or well, its main selling point, is now an integral part of most social media applications, with Instagram and TikTok continuously evolving and innovating to make sure users always have interactive filters to try on. Not only do we have many options, but the sophistication of these filters has reached a level where realism and fantasy coexist seamlessly – but at what cost?

Honestly, it’s no secret that social media has drastically changed how we interact with our surroundings – be it a beautifully plated dessert or the orange hues of a sinking sun, our first thought is to immortalise it in our phone galleries. Even the way we present ourselves online is defined by a conscious choice and a desire to be perceived in a specific light: the pictures, the angles, the lighting, and the filters all have a reason behind them, all contributing to the story behind the image.

The easy availability of filters means that a distorted self-perception is inevitable. When removing every little ‘flaw’ is an option that’s only a couple of clicks away, there are very few who wouldn’t opt for it, especially when everyone with a notable platform looks perfect. However, this curated reality extends beyond just our individual posts. It shapes the way we perceive others and, in turn, how we believe we should present ourselves. The pressure to conform to these digital ideals can slowly seep into our real-world self-esteem, influencing beauty standards and subtly nudging us towards an ever-elusive, digitally defined perfection.

The immersive nature of AR, while entertaining, has fueled a concerning trend of disconnection from the tangible reality that surrounds us. As individuals increasingly engage with augmented environments, there’s a growing concern about the erosion of genuine human connections. The allure of AR experiences may contribute to a detachment from real-world interactions, fostering a society where the lines between virtual and physical become blurred.

Social media and filters grant us unprecedented control over the image we present to the world. While this control provides an ideal opportunity for self-expression, it also carries consequences. The carefully crafted online version of ourselves may diverge significantly from reality, creating a dichotomy between the carefully curated digital self and our authentic, unfiltered identity. This dissonance can lead to a distorted perception of others and ourselves, as the pressure to maintain a flawless facade can spark a neverending quest for perfection, impacting mental well-being and self-esteem. Let’s be real, no mirror is airbrushing our features and providing the perfect contour (as much as we wish otherwise).

As we curate individual personas and identities through AR, the risk of isolating ourselves from real-world connections becomes more palpable – are we inadvertently building walls around the authentic human experiences that thrive in community spaces? Yet, amid the pixelated glamour and curated perfection, a poignant reminder emerges: embrace the unfiltered moments – ones where authenticity radiates. The laugh lines, the tousled hair, the candid snapshots that capture the very essence of who we are, unadorned and beautifully real, must never be lost.

About the Author: With chai and Google Docs as trusted companions, Abrish Nayyar has honed the art of weaving stories, fueled by late-night inspiration and the mundane world. Aspiring to one day be a published author, to her, every article is an inch closer to that goal.