The Perfect Illusion: How Technology Distorts Beauty

Symmetry has long been synonymous with beauty. From ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance portraits, humans have equated balance and proportion with attractiveness. This tendency appears to be deeply ingrained in humans as science backs it up with studies suggesting that the brain processes artifacts possessing points of symmetry with ease, making them more appealing to the human eye. But does that mean that asymmetry, uniqueness and the features that make us us any less beautiful?

Despite diversity in today’s world, when we think of beauty, we often picture the same image: tall, thin models with flawless skin. Why? Because for the longest time, social media have conditioned us to see beauty through the narrow lens of Victoria Secret models, high-fashion models and haute couture models—a repetition of their similar, iconic, slender physiques imprints this strict beauty standard in our minds, whether we’re conscious of it or not. 

Beauty has been sold as an exclusive ideal, rather than something that naturally flourishes in every individual, and technology has only deepened this illusion. AI-powered filters, editing apps and facial-enhancing tools blur away our so-called imperfections—reshaping our jawlines, “fixing” our hairlines and erasing our once defining characteristics like our freckles and fine lines—all to appeal to the digital community. The result? An unattainable standard that distorts our perception of reality and fuels an endless cycle of dissatisfaction.

When will we realize that what makes us truly beautiful isn’t a perfectly symmetrical face or an Instagram-ready glow? It’s the way we express ourselves. The emotions our features carry, our uniqueness that tells a story, or even that one defining feature—an aura, a vibe, a unique presence—that makes us who we are, something that no Instagram filter can replicate. Beauty isn’t just about our appearance. It’s about our presence, our confidence and the impact we have on others. 

And so, as we move forward in an era where AI-generated beauty clouds reality, perhaps the right stance to take is to embrace what makes us different. Focus on investing in building our confidence from within, because the way we feel about ourselves will always matter much more than how others perceive us. 

After all, in a world obsessed with perfection, authenticity is the rarest and most beautiful thing of all.

Written by: Luzern Liawputri