Social media usage correlated with desire for cosmetic procedures in new study

Study suggests social media habits may influence desire for cosmetic procedures.

Is social media making you want cosmetic work? A new study explores the connection. (Samson Katt / Pexels)

New research published this month has found correlations between time spent on social media, the use of photo-editing applications and a person’s desire to go through cosmetic procedures.

The study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology also found that engaging with celebrities and influencers on social media as well as following and engaging with accounts showing plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures also significantly affected peoples’ desire to have cosmetic procedures done.

“While there was an increase in cosmetic focus during the COVID pandemic, until now, there has not been data highlighting a clear link or factors that made patients more or less likely to participate in cosmetic treatments,” said corresponding author Neelam Vashi in a press statement. Vashi is an associate professor of dermatology at the school and director of the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center.

The research was conducted by asking patients to complete surveys about their social media usage and their desire to go through cosmetic procedures. This survey found that the number of hours respondents spent on Snapchat and/or Instagram every day made a significant different in their desire.

The study also found that the people who used photo editing applications like FaceTune, Lightroom and Snapseed to edit selfies before sharing them on social media were more likely to have thoughts about undergoing either a non-surgical or surgical cosmetic procedure.