Does taking selfies lead to increased desire to undergo cosmetic surgery

Abstract
Background: India is the country with the highest number of selfie-related deaths.
However, little is known whether this selfie craze contributes toward the behavioral
changes and desire to undergo cosmetic procedures & surgery.

Aim: To analyse how taking, altering and posting selfies on social media, affects in-
dividuals’ self-esteem, confidence, body image perception and mood in the Indian

population. And to see whether the practice of taking selfies leads to the promo-
tion of self-image dysmorphia and an increased desire to undergo cosmetic surgical

procedures.
Methods: A total of 300 participants from four Indian cities (75 each from Delhi,

Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai) were included in the study. The study experimen-
tally tested whether taking and posting selfie, with and without photograph retouch-
ing, elicits changes in mood, body image, and desire to undergo cosmetic surgery

among young men and women.
Results: A significant increase in the level of social anxiety (P < .004), feeling of
decrease in confidence (P < .002), feeling of decrease in physical attractiveness
(P < .001) and the desire to undergo cosmetic surgery (P < .001) was noted in the
experimental group. Also, all the findings were higher in women compared with men.

Conclusion: This first of its kind experimental study in the Indian population high-
lights the deleterious effects of uploading selfies on human mankind and well-being.

The prevalent obsessively looks-oriented culture is engulfing our youth's innocence
and warrants immediate attention. Few steps taken in the right direction and at the
right time can save us from the disastrous effects of this selfie craze in future.

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