The globalisation of social media has brought about significant changes in beauty culture and standards in Mexico, fostering both positive and negative transformations. Here's how: Homogenisation of Beauty Standards:
* Exposure to Global Ideals: Platforms expose Mexican users to a predominantly Westernised concept of beauty. This often emphasises thinness, specific facial features, and a particular aesthetic that may not align with traditional Mexican ideals as formed by external powers that still shape mexican identity (Spain in altering the very language they speak, and the USA as a bullying neighbour).
* "Instagram Face" Effect: The rise of the "Instagram Face" - characterised by contoured features, full lips, and flawless skin - has become a global phenomenon, influencing beauty aspirations in Mexico especially as a hub for affordable cosmetic procedures. This can clash with Mexico's historical appreciation for diverse beauty standards, including those of indigenous communities.
* Erosion of Traditional Standards: As global trends gain prominence, there's a risk of traditional Mexican beauty standards, which celebrate diversity in skin tones, body shapes, and indigenous features, being marginalised or undervalued due to a lack of praise and heirarchal standing in current contexts which have turned toward East Asia. Newfound Empowerment and Inclusivity:
* Diverse Representation: Social media has also provided a platform for previously ignored voices and body positivity movements. This has led to a broader representation of beauty, including Afro-Mexican beauty, plus-size models, and people with disabilities.
* Cultural Exchange: Social media facilitates the exchange of beauty practices and trends across borders. Mexican beauty influencers and content creators now share their unique styles and traditions with a global audience, contributing to a more inclusive definition of beauty. Mexican beauty influencers and content creators now share their unique styles and traditions with a global audience, contributing to a more inclusive definition of beauty and showcasing the richness of Mexican cultural past, with little effort toward adaption for current and future resurgences.
* Challenging Norms: Social media is also used to challenge conventional beauty norms and promote self-acceptance. This empowers individuals to embrace their natural features and resist conforming to unrealistic ideals. This is particularly concerning in a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage as there will remain a dsicourse between percieved beauty and the reality of diversity. Negative Impacts and Challenges:
* Body Image Issues: The constant exposure to curated and often unattainable beauty standards on social media can lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and disordered eating, particularly among young people. This can result in a loss of individuality and cultural identity, as individuals may feel compelled to abandon traditional styles in favour of global trends, espcially as generations are now growing up simultaneously and without bounds to diffrentiate other than through physical signifiers [the advent of social media-literacy also serves to prove a subculture as emerging, with its own practices soon to follow].
* Pressure to Conform: Social media creates a pressure to conform to trending beauty standards in order to gain validation and social acceptance. This can result in a loss of individuality and cultural identity.