The INSIDER Summary:The debate over whether or not to edit pictures before posting them on social media is taking over the internet.Unlike many other users, I don't see a problem with people who alter their photos because I often do the same.Rather than pointing fingers, my goal is to remind everyone that platforms like Instagram and Twitter are forms of entertainment andshouldn't be taken so seriously.Being more transparent about using a filter or editing tool couldhelp clear up any confusion and ease tension online.Ultimately, however, theonly actions we have 100% control over are our own.These days, there are too many unspoken rules associated with social media.What was once a fun way to share aspects of your lifeonline has now become an uncomfortable space for peopleto displace their judgment onto others. Pleasing everyone is impossible.The use of photo-editing tools such as Photoshop seem to cause the biggest fuss, yet I still don't understand why this is considered "wrong" amongsome users.After all, a recent study proved that most of us actually aren't good at spotting Photoshoppedpictureswhen we see them. On average, participants were able to identify a digitally altered photo only 60% of the time.Despite what anyone thinks, I'm not ashamed to be labeled as someone who edits their Instagram pictures.I enjoy playing around with different photo filters simply because they're a part of the app. Removing a giant pimple or two isn't a big deal to me either, especially when I'm sharing selfies.Here's what a recent photo looked like before I posted it.And here's what you can find on my current feed. Hi, mhm. Okay. A post shared by Brianna Arps (@briannaarps) on Aug 30, 2017 at 6:47pm PDTon Aug 30, 2017 at 6:47pm PDT While I didn't have to blur any blemishes, I adjusted the contrast andadded more saturation to boost my complexion.In addition to making my own routine edits, I also try really hard not to judge anyone else who may have done the same to their pictures. Why' Because social mediais a form of entertainment.It shouldn't be taken so seriously.Living in a disillusioned society where there's a shift towards "natural beauty" and an emphasis on exposing the truth at all costs, it's true that my opinion doesn't necessarily fit the mold. As a journalist, however, I believe in sparking dialogue to try and help establish some middle ground.Similar to the argument I posed while writing about how celebrities could make their no-makeup selfies less misleading, asimple solution could be honesty.Perhaps instead of posting Photoshopped pictures as though they are normal or untouched, celebrities and "influencers" could be more transparent about any edits they've chosen to make.It makes sense forA-list celebrities and those who use their influence to make a living to tell their followers ifthey havealtered an image.In general, there's a greater amount of people who care about and pay closer attention to what they do as opposed to regular folks like myself. Being transparent about using an editing tool or a filterwould also help clear up any confusion about the photo's integrityin the comments.YouTube blogger Gina Shkeda set a great example when her makeup-free selfie went viral on Twitter in March.When a userpraised her for "waking up" beautiful, Shkeda admitted that she had some help in the beauty department with microbladed eyebrows, lash extensions, and lip injections.Girl I have micro bladed brows, lash extensions in and lip injections - I don't even look like this ' you're flawless https://t.co/6Eh2wxclC9' Gina (@GinaShkeda) March 31, 2017Fansand strangers alike then commented to thank Shkeda for being honest, sparking a much needed dialogue about the controversial topic.Still, no matter how deceiving a photo might be, the decision to "expose"yourself ' to revealthat you have altered a picture using an editing toolor a filter ' is up to you. Ultimately, the only actions we have 100% control over are our own.Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: A beauty product lets you peel makeup right off
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