BETWEEN THE REAL AND THE EDITED: THE PSYCHIC IMPACT OF DIGITAL MEDIA ON FEMALE SELF-ESTEEM

Abstract

This article aims to reflect on the gap between the real female body and the digitally retouched body, shaped by tools such as Photoshop, and widely disseminated across media platforms, particularly Instagram. The theoretical framework is grounded in the works of authors such as Simone de Beauvoir and Naomi Wolf, recognized references in feminist studies. Initially, from a socio-historical perspective, the article contextualizes the construction of the female body image in society. It then analyzes how the constant dissemination of idealized images by the media contributes to the reinforcement of hegemonic beauty standards. In the contemporary context, marked by the rise of Instagram and digital influencers, the standardization of female appearance—often shaped by digital editing—becomes increasingly prominent. In this light, the study investigates the psychosocial effects of prolonged exposure to these “perfect images,” focusing on the development of self-image and self-esteem in women, shaped by social comparisons. The findings reveal a clear disconnection between virtual representations and bodily reality, highlighting potential psychological suffering arising from the internalization of restrictive and digitally manipulated beauty standards.