Balraj Syal on the overuse of filters on social media: They're virtually representing themselves differently, so in reality they're not the same person, at least look wise

It is often difficult to accept the changes that our body and skin go through as we age. Probably, it affects more when one is a public figure, hence that leads to the use of filters social media and even otherwise. Actor-host-comedian Balraj Syal opines that the increasing use of filters by most has in a way become mandatory. And, the practice has made it difficult for us to accept our realities and flaws.

 “When you click a picture with your friends it is always with filters to look good. It's no longer an extra thing to do on social media anymore. It's like a process. You click a photo, you choose a filter, and then you post it. It's not anymore like you click a photo and directly post it there. It has become a tradition. It has become a part of social media. I think once in a while using filters is perfectly fine but overusing to make yourself look good is not right. People use filters to enhance the colour in pictures of sunsets, sunrise, landscape, and decorative things at home to make them look better. But people have started changing their features using filters. I can see people on Instagram who make reels using filters, if you see them in real life, you won't recognise them. They're virtually representing themselves but in reality they're not the same person, at least look wise,” he says.

Balraj feels it's good to use filters occasionally for enjoyment or to improve something, but not right to incorporate filters into every step of the process.

“No one we know, in my opinion, does not use filters. Accepting change in your body, especially your face with age, is very important. Today, you might refer to it as virtual cosmetic surgery or virtual makeup because each feature of your face can be filtered on social media. So virtually all these things look good but in reality, how do we face that?” he questions.

Balraj opines that one’s goodness makes them beautiful inside out. “You look good for your behaviour, work, and the people who know you for years, your fans, they'll always like you the way you are. Therefore, I advise against overusing filters to the point where you lose self-confidence when you see yourself in the image without them. Earlier, I used to say, ‘Let me wash my face before taking any pictures, or get dressed,’ but now, people say, ‘Please use a good filter’. Perhaps they have adapted in this manner out of laziness, but that is not the right thing to do. Once in a while the use of filters is good but not every day or for every photo. I don't use filters every time. It's very rare but not on a regular basis. Since everyone copies the people they are following, and we are not setting a bad example for those who follow us. But we are setting the wrong example for ourselves. You should face reality, and grow old gracefully. France has passed a new law, according to which it has been made mandatory for influencers to label photos or videos where they have used filters. I think this is the best way to save our society,” he adds.