People on social media, especially celebrities, need to be more authentic in their content. Social media should be used as a platform to show originality and vulnerability, like Selena Gomez does. 

The cycle where people only show good sides of themselves in the media is not an accurate portrayal of life.

On social media, it’s easy to feel like the everyday person’s life pales in comparison to the glitz and glamor of those in the spotlight. Celebrities need to remove the veil of perfection in order to show their true selves.

Celebrities should be positive role models. Of internet users aged 16 to 24, 72% are using social networks to keep up with celebrities, according to Statista. It’s important to understand that perfection doesn’t exist. 

Low self-esteem and depression can occur when young individuals see unrealistic expectations on their feeds. 

“Countless celebrities post photoshopped and Facetuned images of themselves that portray an unrealistic beauty standard,” according to Shape.

One prominent example of celebrities photoshopping their photos is Kim Kardashian. Kardashian attended a Louis Vuitton fashion show and posted photos on her Instagram from the event. 

Later, a video was posted by Instagram user problematicfame exposing Kardashian for editing parts of her body to make herself look thinner. Kardashian edited her stomach, arms, waist, chest, shoulders, chin and jaw.

It is crucial that those in the spotlight, such as Kardashian, embrace their natural beauty. In doing so, celebrities send the message that it is ok to have imperfections.

It is crucial that society breaks the cycle, starting with celebrities revealing their flaws.

Many celebrities have spoken out about their imperfections such as Selena Gomez. 

Gomez has been candid about gaining weight as a result of her lupus medication. Gomez has also talked about how the commentary on her appearance has negatively affected her mental health.

“I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally, and, then when I’m off of it (lupus medication), I tend to kind of lose weight”, Gomez said in a TikTok live stream. 

Despite having the commentary affect her mental health, Gomez is not afraid to post her natural self, whether that be an unphotoshopped photo of her body or a selfie without filters or makeup. 

On Feb. 1, Gomez posted on Instagram an untouched selfie showing off her natural hair, skin and blemishes. Gomez being confident in herself can encourage young women to be proud of themselves. 

Gomez showing her flaws on social media is inspired by her Rare Beauty makeup brand. The message of the brand is breaking down “unrealistic standards of perfection,” according to Rare Beauty. The Rare Beauty makeup brand shows that everyone is unique, and there is no one else like them.

Celebrities possess the power to inspire and promote a healthier relationship with self-image, combating the pervasive effects of low self-esteem and helping the public accept that no life is without its imperfections.

Suzanne Degges-White, professor and chair of the Department of Counseling and Counselor Education at NIU, explained the importance of celebrities showing their struggles on social media.

“When people don’t see that the people we look up to having troubles or difficulties, it can make it so much harder for us because we feel like if we admit we have a struggle or mental health challenge that it’s not OK,” Degges-White said.

Nobody’s life is perfect, and everyone goes through struggles. Individuals need to normalize the fact that perfection is an illusion and talk about mental health challenges.

The general public should redefine the standards of success and beauty, embrace flaws and imperfections. Everyone is beautiful the way they are and deserve to feel like it.