Reject Untruths

Chrissy Podolak

chrissym2301@gmail.com

 

 

What you see is what you get?

This statement by definition means nothing is hidden beyond what is present. 

In discussing the truth in visual images this has become, more than likely, not the case. Photo and video manipulation are not only common, but so well manufactured today. People may not always believe what they read, but most will believe what they see. Well, pictures or videos are real. At least that is how we feel. The pictures and videos may be a representation of something in time, however, it isn't necessarily accurate due to photo manipulation and deep fake videos. 

Video source: CyberWise

Most of us are documenting even the littlest things in our life. We are taking more photos and videos of ourselves than ever before. With the access to social media and manipulating tools at our finger tips, it is tempting to tweak things that we may be a little self conscious about. Is this unethical? Women and men seem to be aging backwards and this is unrealistic without cosmetic surgeries. We strive to keep up with images we see in print, social media and in movies and TV. I believe the problem of unattainable perfection being represented is carrying over to other professions, not just consumers. You take a picture and the next thing most people do is post it to one of their many social media sites. Instant feed back. Instant attention. Instant gratification. Image -- it is your job to be the most perfect, the fastest and the most interesting. Striving to get the most "likes". It is indeed unfortunate. What if doing those things would make you more money? Would you have the same ethics and limitation?  The line is getting more and more blurred. This is where filters on pictures, fake videos and fake news come in. 

Kim Kardashian is one example of how editing, staging and fake news built a million dollar career and brand. 

Picture source: Lexie Moreland/WWD

What can we do as consumers?

So many celebrities use these tactics to sell themselves and their products. Consumers want to be like them and look like them. These photos or videos may or may not even be real. More than likely they are doctored in some way to enhance the appeal. As consumers we need to recognize this. Teach this to our children and reject this as acceptable. We also have the right and responsibility to do our own research when it comes to social media sites and various print pieces. We as consumers need to stop spreading the untruths and demand more from our media and journalists.