How Does Selfie-Editing Behaviour on Social Media Influence Facial (Dis)Satisfaction?

Over the past decade the popularity of sharing and editing selfies on social media has noticeably increased. The user-friendly photo-editing apps and altering face filters are being used on a daily base to modify one’s appearance (i.e., selfie-editing behaviour). Editing functions such as narrowing the nose, increasing the size of the lips, changing the form of the eyes and cheekbones, and improving the skin quality by removing e.g., skin blemishes and eye bags may change users’ facial perception and make them feel unsatisfied with their facial appearance. The aim of this thesis is to explore how selfie-editing behaviour on social media influences facial satisfaction. A hypothetical model is being proposed that resulted from extensive literature research. Therefore, three relevant theories (selective self- presentation, self-objectification, and social comparison) in the matter of selfie-editing behaviour and facial dissatisfaction have been put into relation. Overall, selfie-editing behaviour can be understood as form of selective self-presentation and indirectly influences being facially dissatisfied by inflicting self-objectification. Self-objectification processes can be influenced by objectifying others and comparing oneself to them (i.e., circle of objectification). Social comparison was found to influence facial dissatisfaction when viewing specific selfies, including modified ones. Understanding how selfie-editing behaviour influences facial dissatisfaction can help find intervention and prevention measures.