Behind the selfie: reversing the damage of digital distortion

'Now that social media has grown to be part of our everyday lives, digital distortion is happening more than ever and tools once only available to the professionals can be accessed by young girls at the touch of a button without regulation,' says Alessandro Manfredi, Executive Vice President of Dove, reacting to these results.

Dr Phillippa Diedrichs, Research Psychologist at the Centre of Appearance Research at the University of West England and body image expert, agrees. She highlights the double-edged sword these apps can be. 'Powerful editing apps on smartphones have democratised the way in which girls can be creative with their photography. But these apps also cause huge damage to the confidence of young girls,' she says.

'Although certain aspects of social media can promote connection and wellbeing, in recent years dozens of scientific studies have shown that social media can negatively influence body confidence, mood and self-esteem,' she explains.

'This happens when users spend significant amounts of time posting selfies, using editing apps and filters to alter their appearance, comparing themselves to others, and seeking validation through comments and likes. It's therefore imperative that we help young people to develop skills to navigate social media in a healthy and productive way.'