Ethical aesthetics in the time of social media
Objectives: In the compelling times of social media, ethical aesthetics refers to the consideration of the implications of the ways that images are presented & consumed on these platforms.
This includes issues such as body dysmorphia, misrepresentation and manipulation of images.
Having organically raised a social media community of more than 80,000 followers of my own and receiving more than 100s of messages on a daily basis it only feels appropriate to talk about our social responsibility as medical professionals on these social media platforms encouraging safer procedures while promoting body positivit
Introduction: Ethical Aesthetics in the digital age would explore the impact of social media on the aesthetic industry and how it has influenced society's standards of beauty.
The pressure to conform to these standards both by doctors & patients alike and how it has led to a rise in cosmetic procedures, photoshopping, and setting unreal aesthetic targets.
It would also consider the ethical implications of these practices, and how they may negatively impact individuals and society calling for greater awareness and responsibility in the beauty industry.
Materials / method: The pursuit of perfection through aesthetic procedures can be emotionally and financially draining.
By creating an awareness and emphasising on less invasive more subtle procedures we can achieve a balanced and harmonious appearance rather than over treating and dramatic transformations avoiding potential risks and complications.
Moderation & restraint are the key to achieving natural and satisfying results than giving in to unrealistic digital beauty trends.
Results: Ethical aesthetics promotes the use of medical grade aesthetic treatments performed by trained medical professionals as well as the avoidance of unnecessary procedures and overtreatment for the sake of meeting societal beauty standards.
It propagates the idea of "less is more" while encouraging a more holistic approach to beauty in the digital age.
Conclusion: The way that we look has such an impact on the way our lives playout.
Ethical aesthetics in times of social media involves being mindful of not promoting unrealistic beauty standards or promoting products or procedures that are potentially harmful to individuals who may be vulnerable to body dysmorphia or other mental health conditions.
Being in the aesthetic business we as medical professionals need to understand the dire need of setting the benchmark as a fraternity promoting a more positive & inclusive view of beauty.
