The Misuse and Distortion of Photoshop

When I first hear the words “photoshop”, my mind doesn’t go straight to the Adobe application we have become acquainted with in design class. This word triggers an amalgamation of pop culture headlines highlighting the photoshop and body-altering fails that social media influencers and celebrities have released. The way in which Adobe Photoshop is used in class presents a unique artform: altering, distorting, and breaking the bounds of still images. However, in a world where perfection is applauded and faults are shunned, photoshop has been a manner in which celebrities present falsified images to a society of willing viewers. While our use of Photoshop is an incredible art form, pop culture’s misuse of Photoshop presents bizarre and unrealistic beauty standards to vulnerable and naive consumers.

A great example of this is the Kardashian family. In multiple instances, members of the family have been called out for their poor photoshopping skills (by accidentally giving themselves an extra toe, or elongating their fingers in a disproportionate manner).

I personally believe touch-ups here and there are completely acceptable, especially for celebrities under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. However, it is important to stay transparent with the audience to avoid skewed beauty ideals. Additionally, news outlets could stand being slightly less cruel to celebrities in exposing minor photoshop fails!