Image manipulation, often heralded as the worst and the best thing that happed to photography, is used excessively across the industry. However, manipulating photographs and changing them in some way, is it ethical?

"After all everyone is doing it, fashion brands, interior design firms, hotel industry, jewelry designers, and every other product designer and manufacturer is using image manipulation techniques."

Then Why Debate?

The debate over image manipulation being ethical or unethical is because; often via photo manipulation the viewer is shown a picture that is way far from reality. It is often used to misguide viewers and send across wrong messages. This intent in particular is unethical.

I have been a Victim of Unethical Photo Manipulation...!!

Recently, there was a picture of some rare skin disease circulating on social media. The thumbnail was gross, and I felt really sick looking at this image. It came with a warning that using a particular shampoo can do this to you!! I freaked out and imagined all sorts of skin diseases happening to me. When I talked to friends about it!! They too shared the same feelings. Some with particularly weak heart could not get the image out of their minds.