Approximately 80% of Gen Z Women Are Dissatisfied with Their Appearance in Photos: What Is the Ideal 'Natural' Editing Level?

Truesight Japan, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and led by CEO Mitta Zhang, has conducted a survey on the realities of photo shooting and editing among Gen Z women aged 18 to 35.

With the widespread use of SNS, communicating via photos has become a daily occurrence. For Gen Z, capturing and sharing photos of themselves is a standard habit. However, advancements in digital technology have allowed for easy creation of idealized appearances, complicating their consciousness regarding peer perception and their own looks.

Approximately 80% of respondents feel they do not like how they look in photos, or feel neutral about it. The lower satisfaction with their own appearance may contribute to their resistance to being photographed. Furthermore, there is a tendency to judge their appearance in photos more harshly than in their everyday self-assessment.

Top reasons for feeling they 'don't look good' in photos included facial contours, skin condition, and awkward expressions. Conversely, skin texture, such as transparency and smoothness, is the most crucial condition for feeling they 'look good' in photos.

When being photographed by others, respondents are most careful about 'hairstyles and grooming,' while for self-portraits (selfies), consciousness toward 'facial expressions' and 'face angles' increases. Additionally, over 40% of respondents want to edit their photos, driven by a strong desire to approach their ideal image.