Does an association exist between the use of social media and photograph editing applications, self-esteem, and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery?

In this survey study of 252 participants, increased investment in the use of social media platforms was associated with increased consideration of cosmetic surgery.

Participants who reported using specific applications, such as YouTube, Tinder, and Snapchat photograph filters, had an increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery; use of other applications, including WhatsApp and Photoshop, was associated with significantly lower self-esteem scores.

These findings suggest that perceptions of cosmetic surgery may vary based on social media and photograph editing application use.