Genetic Make-Up

Digital filters, but with real-life consequences. Vogue Singapore considers the implications behind a new generation of parents choosing to edit pictures of their children.

- SEMILY HENG

In the glossy, veneered universe that is Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Photoshop is a given. “Show us the unedited ones,” reads a comment on Kim Kardashian’s post; a customary refrain glimpsed on the Instagram feeds of the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Another states succinctly: “Fake.” Comments like these tell us everything: there is nothing realistic about the E! Network series. Instead, audiences are fed an aspirational, unattainable way of life that is further showcased via the cast’s social media platforms, where imperfections such as wrinkles and acne are erased at the tap of a button, teeth are whitened with a swipe of a finger and love handles are made non-existent. And it seems no one is exempt from the all-powerful photo editing tool—not even children.

Case in point: Khloé Kardashian. The business owner and socialite came under fire this April after she allegedly placed filters on her daughter that altered her skin tone and facial structure.

“Look at it this way, there is the harmless filtering and editing that people may perform on their own photos for the portrayal of a certain look. Then, there is the photoshopping of their children’s photos. On one hand, it is about staying true to one’s perspective of beauty standards. But this begs the question: should these same standards be applied to one’s children?” questions Dr Shawn Ee, a clinical psychologist at The Psychology Practice.

Nip and tuck