In the Eye of the Beholder?

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. Odds are, you probably have an account with one or all of these social networking websites, and in some cases these avenues are used as the main source of connection and communication between today’s generation of Internet surfers. But is the use of such wide-spread and impersonal media a good way to provide input to one another about things such as appearance?
 
I recently read an article entitled Teen Girls Ask the Internet, “Am I Ugly?” The main focus of the article was concern over the new trend of girls of younger and younger ages posting their pictures on websites such as YouTube and Tumblr and asking viewers if they are attractive or not. Parents who were asked about the finding were both shocked and outraged over the discovery and were all hopeful that their own children would never feel the need to look to the Internet for any kind of personal validation. But is this trend really such a surprise given this generation’s immense interest in cyber socialization? And is it limited to adolescent girls?

Speaking for myself, the use of websites such as Facebook and Tumblr provide an outlet for my own creative and personal expression, while keeping me connected to the people around me. Furthermore, I can’t deny the feeling of satisfaction when I receive a “like” on my status or comments on my pictures complimenting my appearance, and I expect that the same is true for most people out there. It feels good to be appreciated by our peers, and social networking websites provide subtle yet in-your-face ways of obtaining acclaim from associates and friends. For instance, we are not responsible if we post a particularly favorable picture on Facebook and people happen to positively comment on it. The problem arises when this becomes the main source of affirmation and self-esteem.
 
Though I myself am not a psychologist, I know that it is not healthy to seek validation from outside sources, especially on delicate subjects such as appearance. Honestly, why would you want your own perception of your physical beauty to be determined by possible Internet trolls and strangers? Your own perception of anything should always start from within. Form your own opinions about things, and when it comes to your own attributes, who knows you better than you?
 
The truth of the matter is that we are living in an era of Internet-based social networking and with the constant advent of websites that cater to this generation’s newest fascination, it is no wonder that we look to each other for input on everything from fashion to physical appearance. It is important to remember that, though outside opinions can be helpful, it is up to us to ultimately decide how we choose to view ourselves. A famous quote goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Maybe it is time that we stop depending on others to behold our true beauty and start seeing how incredible and beautiful we are on our own. A strong foundation of positive self-perception is not easily deconstructed, and once you can see your own beauty, the world will see it as well.