In 2020, a 22-year-old Australian influencer decided to share a ‘behind the scenes’ of a flattering photo. TikTok user @moldogaa posted a video reacting to her own selfie. “Just took this photo on Snapchat… I do NOT look like that! Catfish — MEOW!” This started a trend of other people reacting to their glamorous pictures with messy hair and minimal makeup. Some of these transformations are almost unrecognizable, showing how people try to appear perfect on social media while sporting a more relaxed look in real life. Here are 11 Photos From TikTok’s Catfish Challenge:
Reality Check, Please:
Meeting someone in real life after swiping through filtered pics can be like “Wait, who are you?” It’s a reminder that filters don’t always tell the whole story.
Mood Swing Makeup:
Using makeup and filters daily can mess with your self-image, making it hard to recognize your natural look. Sometimes, it’s good to give the skin a breather!
Compare & Despair:
Scrolling through perfect pics all day? It’s easy to start comparing yourself and feeling like you’re not measuring up. Filters and makeup make ‘perfection’ seem too easy.
Emotionally Filtered:
When you rely too much on makeup and filters, it can feel like you’re living in a Snapchat lens. Disconnecting from the real ‘you’ can get tricky.
Influencer Inspo:
Ever wondered how celebs and influencers look flawless 24/7? It’s all about makeup and filters setting trends and making the rest of us chase that selfie perfection.
Catfish Chronicles:
Yup, it happens. People use makeup and filters to catfish others, creating a whole new persona. But remember, not everyone is who they seem online!
Thirst Trap Tactics:
Picture-perfect filters and makeup aren’t just for fun; they reel in the likes and comments faster than you can say “Instagram.” Hello, validation station!
Hide & Seek (with Insecurities):
Ever had a bad breakout or just felt ‘meh’ about your look? Makeup and filters swoop in like a superhero’s cape, helping to mask insecurities and boosting your confidence.
Online Chameleons:
=Some folks go full chameleon online, creating alter egos with makeup and filters. It’s like having a secret identity—just without the spandex suit and cape!
Feature Fun:
You’ve got the power to dial up those cheekbones or change your eye color in a snap. It’s like being your own Photoshop whiz, just for everyday selfies. Who wouldn’t want to play around with that?
Glamour Magic:
Ever notice how makeup and filters turn people into glamorous versions of themselves? It’s like wielding a magic wand to make imperfections vanish. But hey, sometimes that perfect selfie doesn’t exactly match Monday morning reality.
Read: Influencer Picks Up And Licks ‘Jellyfish’, Not Realizing It’s A Deadly Portuguese Man o’ War
No one looks perfect all the time
Shanae Thompson, AKA @itsyagirlshaee on TikTok, joined the catfish challenge without much thought. “I didn’t plan that video at all, that content was taken after a single take and it ended up getting a lot more attention than I ever expected!” The trend demonstrates how social media is a highlight reel. No one looks perfect all the time. These comical and light-hearted videos poke fun at how deceiving pictures can be using makeup, filters, photoshop, and flattering lighting and angles. There’s an art to looking good online but it’s not the reality. “I would remind everyone to love themselves for who they are. Even in the moments when you don’t look your best. Be comfortable and confident in your skin,” Shanae said. “I enjoy being able to play with makeup and change my look. But at the end of the day, taking all that off and relaxing is the best part of the day.” [1]
The Effect of Social Media on Self-Image
Overall, it’s no secret that social media can have a negative effect on people’s self-perception. This creates a downward spiral. At first, people see popular influencers who perfectly fit today’s beauty standards — often using makeup, filters, angles, lighting, and photoshop. And in order to fit in, they use the same methods to “look better” when they post online. Thus, perpetuating a beauty standard that doesn’t exist — as the catfish challenge showed. Bodies change and that’s normal. Skin breaks out, stomachs bloat, faces have pores, it’s all-natural. Most people don’t always have luscious hair, the ideal curves, big eyes, defined cheekbones, and eyelashes as long as baby carrots. And even when people know this to be true, that doesn’t save them from comparing themselves to “ideal” photos online. It’s easy to want something even when you know it’s fake. [2]
However, that’s not to say makeup is bad
In fact, for many women, it’s a way to look and feel put together. It’s often used to enhance their features and cover up little blemishes. Additionally, it’s a form of art and self-expression. Many enjoy using it to look different; it’s like dressing up. Moreover, they feel just as good about themselves after they take the makeup off. A problem arises when people see beautiful people on social media living perfect, happy lives and think, “If I looked that pretty, I would feel happy and good about myself.” However, beauty doesn’t save someone from insecurities. In fact, the modeling industry is riddled with gorgeous people who don’t feel comfortable in their own skin. There are also many attractive people who get reassurance from their online following that they look beautiful. But that doesn’t make them feel good about their appearances long-term either.
How to Feel More Beautiful
Feeling beautiful and good about yourself doesn’t come from fitting beauty standards. Instead, it comes from working on feeling more attractive and confident. That might have to begin with curating your social media feed. Instead of a stream of appearance-focused snaps, add other interests like animals, food, books, and nature to the mix. And use this for inspiration to spend time with hobbies that have nothing to do with appearances. [3] Here are some other ways to start feeling better about yourself:
Exercise
I’ll release endorphins and improve your mood. Make sure to choose an activity you enjoy, whether it’s weight lifting, hiking, sports, or dance classes.
Compliment others
Seeing the beauty in others can help you see the good things about yourself as well. Additionally, as you notice beautiful features in the real world, you’ll realize that you don’t need to fit the “ideal criteria” to be attractive and confident.
Pep talks
It might feel silly to repeat positive affirmations to yourself at first but they can help you value your appearance. However, only use phrases you believe. If you repeat, “I am beautiful” but you don’t believe it, it won’t be very helpful. Instead, be specific, such as “I have a beautiful smile,” “I feel good about myself in this outfit,” “I have a warm, welcoming presence,” and “I’m going to be kinder to myself today.”
Eliminate negative self-talk
This is the flip side of positive affirmations. Try to notice when you belittle and doubt yourself. Even when you’re not aware of them, these thoughts take a major toll on your self-image. So reflect on why you may be feeling this way.
The Bottom Line
“In particular, pay special attention to what triggers self-sabotaging statements,” said Psychologist Jodi De Luca. “Is it a particular environment? Person? Situation? Once you identify the triggers of negative self-talk, you have a better chance of catching yourself, turning negative self-statements into positive ones, and even preventing them.” [4]
Keep Reading: TikTok Is Watching You – Even If You Don’t Have an Account
- “Catfishes” Are Revealing What They Really Look Like Without Makeup.” Bored Panda. Liucija Adomaite and Mindaugas Balčiauskas. 2020
- “Social media is affecting the way we view our bodies — and it’s not good.” Today. Rhea Murray. May 8, 2018
- “The complicated truth about social media and body image.” BBC. Kelly Oakes. March 12, 2019
- “11 scientific ways to make yourself look and feel more attractive.” Insider. Kristin Salaky. August 9, 2017