FILTER PRESSURE – The Effects of Filtered Photography and Photoshop on Self-Esteem I. Introduction a. The need to belong is a natural need according to psychologists b. Teenagers are at their most vulnerable stages of personal development i. Still developing individualism or sense of self-esteem ii. Rampant bullying in schools iii. Introduction to social media’s impact on idenity development II. Internet a. Statistics on internet usage i. Demographics ii. Locational demographics b. It’s all about the buzz i. Creating hype to sell – products, ideas, and personas ii. The difficulty in sifting through the hype to get to the real information III. The social media factor a. The current pervasiveness of social media i. A source of information ii. A form of expression iii. A means of communication b. The false standards social media set i. Standards on Beauty 1. Instagram and filters 2. Unreal Photoshopped pictures ii. Standards on lifestyle IV. The effect of photos on the Internet and social media on self-esteem a. Studies show social media causes anxiety i. Expanded perception of other person’s life ii. Weakened appreciation of personal circumstances iii. Padded presentation of personal circumstances b. Keeping up with the Joneses i. Keeping up in real life ii. Keeping up in virtual life c. Cost implications of keeping up V. South Korean girls – a case study a. The stringent standard of beauty in South Korea b. Surgery often used as resolution c. The vicious cycle of self-deprecation as standards get higher VI. Current moves locally and internationally to combat the growing problem a. Information campaign b. Participation of celebrities and influential people VII. Recommendations and Conclusions a. Value formation at home i. Constant communication as an important strategy b. Exposure to diversity i. Every culture sets a distinct standard of physical attractiveness ii. Every culture has its own definition of beauty iii. A comparison of two countries