Instagram bans cosmetic surgery effect filters

No more exaggerated lips, sculptural cheekbones and super-perfect faces. Instagram will remove from its Stories all the filters that imitate the effect of cosmetic surgery, like Plastica, Holy Natural or Fix Me. The announcement was posted on Facebook and states:

We want Spark AR effects to be a positive experience and are re-evaluating our existing policies as they relate to well-being.

The decision follows the ban on posts sponsoring diets and emphasizes the commitment of Mark Zuckerberg's company to protect the physical and mental well-being of its users.

Recent studies showed that “exposure to idealized Instagram images (attractive peers, celebrities) has a detrimental impact on body image”. The use or abuse of these filters could increase a distorted perception, creating a real mental dissociation between reality and our own image in front of the mirror. This is proven by the rising number of pathological dysmorphia cases and, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the high demand for small "improvement" interventions among the under-30s inspired by social networks.