These days, millions of people around the world retouch—or edit—their photos. Apps like Facetune make it easy. With a simple click, you can make your teeth whiter. You can even adjust the shape of your face.
But most teens say they aren’t using these apps to completely change the way they look. They’re making smaller changes, like removing pimples. For them, these edits make social media less stressful. “I haven’t done it myself, but it’s tempting,” says Nate, 13. “Who doesn’t want to feel better about how they look?”
Retouching photos is also a way to level the playing field. For years, models have appeared in magazines with perfect skin. Their photos are edited by people whose job it is to make them look perfect. Now everyone has that power.