Sunday A. Ekerikevwe

This study investigates the impact of deceptive photo editing among female students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and photo studios in Benin Metropolis, focusing on its extent, motivations, and psychological and social consequences. Guided by three research questions, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires administered to UNIBEN female students and semi-structured interviews with photo studio operators to collect data. The theoretical framework integrates social comparison theory, self-presentation theory, and uses and gratifications theory to explore the psychological motivations, social dynamics, and cultural influences driving deceptive photo editing. Findings reveal that deceptive editing is prevalent, with students frequently using apps like Adobe Photoshop and Snapchat to alter appearances for social media, and studios reporting regular requests for edits like skin lightening. Motivations include conforming to societal beauty standards, seeking social media validation, and responding to peer pressure, reflecting Nigeria’s cultural emphasis on attractiveness and global aesthetic trends. Psychologically, editing often leads to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, though it temporarily boosts confidence. Socially, edited photos garner positive feedback, fostering validation dependency and reducing authenticity in peer interactions. Thematic analysis highlights widespread editing, culturally specific beauty ideals, social media influence, mixed psychological impacts, and unrealistic beauty norms, with extreme editing causing identity conflict. The study underscores the complex interplay of psychological, social, and cultural factors in deceptive photo editing, offering insights for addressing its impacts on self-perception and social interactions.