The Impact of Photo Editing and Augmented Reality Filters on Facial Perception

Core Concepts

Faces filtered with traditional photo editing techniques are perceived similarly to unmodified faces, while faces filtered with augmented reality (AR) techniques are perceived as strange and digitally altered.

Abstract

The study examined how people perceive faces that have been edited using traditional photo editing techniques versus augmented reality (AR) filters. The researchers conducted six surveys to assess familiarity, perceived strangeness, and perceived digital alteration of the filtered faces.
The key findings are:

Faces filtered with traditional techniques like skin smoothing, color adjustments, and beautification are perceived similarly to unmodified faces. These traditional filters have become a "new normal" in facial perception.

In contrast, faces filtered with AR techniques that overlay digital objects or apply unrealistic masks are perceived as strange and digitally altered, in stark contrast to the unmodified faces.

The researchers propose two potential explanations for these results:

Duration of exposure - Traditional photo editing techniques have existed for decades, while AR filters are relatively new (around 10 years). Over time, AR filters may also become normalized.

Purpose of the filters - Traditional filters aim to enhance the real-world face, while AR filters intentionally construct alternate realities. The more obvious changes from AR filters contribute to their perceived strangeness.

The findings have implications for the design of facial filters, especially as AR and virtual experiences become more prevalent. The researchers recommend focusing AR filter design on promoting creativity and imagination, rather than trying to perfect reality through beautification. This may be a healthier approach than the potential negative effects of traditional beautification filters.

Stats

Faces filtered with traditional techniques were perceived as familiar by 83.4% of participants, compared to 16.6% who found them unfamiliar.
Faces filtered with AR techniques were perceived as unfamiliar by 71.8% of participants.
31.6% of participants found the original unfiltered faces to look strange, compared to 68.4% who did not.
39.2% of participants thought the original unfiltered faces looked digitally altered, compared to 60.8% who did not.

Quotes

"Faces modified with more traditional face filters are perceived similarly to unmodified faces, and faces filtered with augmented reality filters are perceived differently from unmodified faces."
"AR beautification filters are becoming so common that both the video conferencing application Zoom and the Chinese mobile payment application Alipay allow users to view and present their faces through beauty filters."
"Because the AR-filtered faces in our study were perceived so diametrically differently from unedited faces, it may actually be safer to use these types of filters. They won't confound our facial perception and cause phenomena like Snapchat Dysphoria in the way that traditional beautification filters would."

Key Insights Distilled From

Has the Virtualization of the Face Changed Facial Perception? A Study of the Impact of Photo Editing and Augmented Reality on Facial Perception

by Louisa Conwi... at arxiv.org 04-30-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2303.00612.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How will the perception of AR-filtered faces change over time as the technology becomes more ubiquitous?

As AR technology and filters become more widespread and integrated into various social media platforms, the perception of AR-filtered faces is likely to evolve. Initially, AR filters may be perceived as novel and intriguing, leading to a sense of excitement and curiosity among users. However, as these filters become more common and users are exposed to them regularly, the perception of AR-filtered faces may shift towards normalization.
Over time, as individuals become more accustomed to seeing AR-filtered faces, they may start to view them as a standard or expected representation in online interactions. This normalization could lead to a change in how people perceive beauty standards and facial aesthetics, with AR-filtered faces potentially influencing societal norms of appearance.
Additionally, repeated exposure to AR-filtered faces may desensitize individuals to the alterations made by these filters, making them more accepting of digitally enhanced appearances. As a result, the distinction between natural and digitally altered faces may blur, impacting how individuals perceive authenticity and self-representation in online interactions.

What are the potential negative social impacts if traditional beautification filters become the new normal in facial perception?

If traditional beautification filters become the new normal in facial perception, there could be several negative social impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Traditional beautification filters often enhance facial features and create an idealized version of oneself. If these filtered images become the standard for beauty, it can lead to unrealistic beauty standards and unrealistic expectations of appearance.

Body Image Issues: Constant exposure to digitally altered images can contribute to body image issues, low self-esteem, and body dysmorphia. Individuals may feel pressured to conform to the filtered standards of beauty, leading to dissatisfaction with their natural appearance.

Impact on Mental Health: The prevalence of beautification filters as the norm may exacerbate mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Comparing oneself to heavily edited images can negatively impact self-worth and mental well-being.

Authenticity and Self-Identity: Relying on beautification filters to present oneself online can blur the lines between reality and fantasy. It may challenge the authenticity of online interactions and self-representation, affecting genuine connections and self-identity.

Social Comparison and Peer Pressure: The normalization of beautification filters can intensify social comparison and peer pressure, as individuals strive to meet unrealistic beauty standards set by filtered images. This can lead to a culture of constant comparison and competition.

Overall, if traditional beautification filters become the new normal in facial perception, it can have detrimental effects on individuals' self-perception, mental health, and societal beauty ideals.

How might the design of AR filters that promote creativity and imagination positively influence self-expression and mental health, compared to beautification filters?

Designing AR filters that prioritize creativity and imagination over beautification can have several positive impacts on self-expression and mental health.

Encouraging Self-Expression: Creative AR filters offer users the opportunity to express themselves in unique and imaginative ways. By providing tools for self-expression beyond traditional beauty standards, individuals can showcase their creativity and personality through augmented reality.

Fostering Positive Body Image: Filters that promote creativity and imagination focus on artistic expression rather than altering physical appearance. This shift can help individuals develop a more positive body image by emphasizing creativity and individuality over unrealistic beauty standards.

Enhancing Emotional Well-being: Engaging with creative AR filters can be a fun and uplifting experience, promoting positive emotions and boosting mood. The playful nature of imaginative filters can serve as a form of escapism and stress relief, contributing to overall emotional well-being.

Empowering Authentic Self-Representation: Creative AR filters empower users to authentically represent themselves in a way that aligns with their unique identity and interests. By encouraging authenticity and originality, these filters support genuine self-expression and self-acceptance.

Promoting Diverse Perspectives: Filters that prioritize creativity can showcase diverse perspectives, cultures, and artistic styles, fostering inclusivity and representation. This diversity in filter design can promote acceptance, appreciation, and understanding of different forms of self-expression.

In contrast to beautification filters that may perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and negative self-perception, creative AR filters have the potential to inspire creativity, boost self-confidence, and contribute to a more positive and inclusive digital environment for self-expression and mental well-being.