A recent study conducted by ID Crypt Global, a company specialising in digital identity security, has uncovered a concerning trend among young adults aged 18-25. The research indicates that a significant portion of this demographic feels compelled to modify their photographs before sharing them on social media platforms.

The survey, which involved 778 individuals within the specified age group, aimed to understand the prevalence and reasons behind the editing of personal images online. It was revealed that 33% of participants engage in altering their photos before posting them, with Instagram being the most common outlet for these doctored images, as reported by 83% of respondents. Tik-Tok followed distantly, with only 7% of the surveyed group using it for the same purpose.

Common editing techniques include adjusting lighting and tone (49%) and applying filters (30%). However, more profound changes involve altering one’s appearance, such as hair colour, skin tone, eye colour, or weight, with 42% admitting to such modifications.

The driving force behind this behaviour appears to be the pressure to emulate the appearance of celebrities and influencers. A significant 58% of young adults acknowledged feeling this pressure, raising concerns about the impact on self-perception and reality.

Lauren Wilson-Smith, CEO and Founder of ID Crypt Global expressed deep concern over this trend: "Faking images is becoming ingrained in our young people from a really early age… The new phenomenon of social media fame is setting unattainable expectations… And in doing so, it’s removing young people from reality."

Wilson-Smith also highlighted the broader implications of this behaviour: "This willingness to edit photographs may also be contributing to… deepfakes and false images… young people might become so used to… doctoring reality in photographs that they don’t see the dangers that misinformation can have in a broader context out in the wider world."

The findings of this survey shed light on the psychological pressures faced by young adults in the digital age and underscore the need for greater awareness and education on the impact of social media on mental health and perception of reality.

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