The normalization of “virtual” body augmentation has been building for many years, in several subtle forms – the digital alteration of photos for magazine spreads, promotional ads, and album covers being an example. Younger generations have been exposed to these edited, idealistic pictures of people they commonly look up to for the majority of their adolescent lives, being visually exposed by movies, TV, magazines, and especially the internet.
-
-
Modern mass media has created an idealized image of what a hero must look like: usually male, white, skinny but buff, pearly white teeth, full head of hair. The list goes on, crafting such a high and unrealistic criteria of perfection in order for anyone to feel good about themselves.
-
Computer generated imagery and modeling have become an unlikely couple as “CGI influencers” begin appear in cyberspace. This new branch of technology has led to much controversy, backlash, and confusion.