In the last few years, the digital age has risen. Cell phones, laptops, and tablets have made information portable and accessible at any moment. With this newfound ability, we find ourselves with more power. One of these powers includes that of changing our appearance for the better. This wonder of miracles is called photo shop.

Any informed citizen knows that magazines are not always truthful in the information they put out to their audience. Obviously, not everyone in society is 5’10” with a perfect figure and chiseled abs. However, when that ideal individual is all one perceives from not only magazines, but TV shows, movies, commercials, and basically every form of entertainment, does it affect how we see ourselves?

The biggest argument against photo shop is that it affect us, the next generation. As adolescents, we are already insecure in our own skin. It is a natural part of being young. Insecurities about who we are and how we look constantly flood our minds. We already have Victoria’s Secret models thrown in our faces as the epitome of human perfection and even they are photo shopped.

For those of us who spend less time on an elliptical and more time on the couch this fact is not just intimidating, but downright horrifying. If we have to alter perfection, what about those who don’t have the privilege of makeup artist, personal shoppers, and personal trainers?

It sends the message that as human beings that are far from perfect we need to be fixed.

Media campaigns, magazines, adverstisements, etc. need to learn to stop shoving perfection down our throats as a way to sell. Showing real, everyday people isn’t wrong…it’s natural.