Young women struggle with facial dysmorphia from social media
Some young women are struggling with a condition known as "facial dysmorphia," which affects how they see their own faces. Nika Motiie, a 20-year-old student, feels obsessive about taking selfies to understand how others perceive her. Motiie once felt confident but began to doubt her appearance after seeing videos of popular girls online. As a result, she often cancels plans because she worries about how she looks. Motiie’s struggles led her to seek professional help, and she now takes medication for depression and anxiety. She does not have a formal diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), but her feelings of self-hatred are common among those who experience BDD. Dr. Katharine Phillips, a psychiatrist, explains that people with BDD often focus on perceived flaws, causing them emotional distress. Daisy Wilson, a 19-year-old biochemist, shares her experience with facial dysmorphia on TikTok. She often felt panicky when looking in the mirror and struggled with negative thoughts about her face. Wilson has found some improvement but acknowledges it took years to build her confidence back. Many users on TikTok express similar feelings using the hashtag #facialdysmorphia. Some people even feel pressured to ask others if they are attractive or if their feelings are a problem. Filters that alter faces online can worsen these feelings, as people become more critical of their appearance. Vivien Lovrin, a content creator, has also missed important events due to concerns about her face. Her negative thoughts about her appearance worsened after a failed cosmetic procedure. Dr. Phillips warns that cosmetic surgeries may not help people with BDD. In fact, many find themselves still unhappy after surgery. Instead of seeking surgery, experts recommend talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications. Wilson has learned to meditate and practice daily affirmations to help her self-image. Motiie is also trying to build healthier habits, such as reading self-help books and staying active. Both women are still working on accepting their appearances but have found moments of hope in their journeys.