The use of Photoshop is a mixed bag in my opinion. I can see both its positive and negative impacts on our society. It can be used as a wonderful tool for artists. The images and effects one can create are endless. However, it can also be used to push an agenda, or negatively impact viewers such as people that may suffer from body image issues. This is not limited to Photoshop, an increasing amount of people are going to plastic surgeons asking to have their faces altered to match the filtered images which are used in social media photography. Additionally, I have an increasing number of friends and family that almost refuse to have a picture taken of themselves without the use of some sort of filter. I find this somewhat sad. I love going through old pictures and seeing how my family and friends have changed over the years. With the manipulation of these photographs, one can no longer look back at images and see their loved ones as they actually were. I find many of the ways the fashion industry has used Photoshop appalling. While I do not have an issue with clearing complexion issues and things of that nature, I do not agree with completely altering a persons body. I feel this does add to the unrealistic and unattainable body image issues many have. When I was a teenager this was always common among young girls, but I believe it has crept into young men's psyches as well. Distorting their views on not only of themselves, but placing those perceptions onto someone they may or may not consider dating. Photoshop is undeniably a useful tool, and when used responsibly it can enhance a persons confidence rather than hinder it. Take the above image for example, I simply removed a few blemishes, a couple of stray hairs that had blown in my face, some leafy debris which were on my hat, and altered the images vibrance levels. All of which enhanced the image, but did not greatly alter my appearance.
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