It may be playful and addictive to turn yourself into a dog or cutesy bunny, but get real, people

I’m perturbed by the glossy, cartoonish features that can be applied to our faces on Instagram Stories. They honestly freak me out. If you’re not familiar with Instagram Stories, it is kind of like an abstract, individual TV channel for anyone with an account.

Now you can film a 15-second skit of yourself feeling sad (the ‘go to’ narrative), blowing kisses or looking thoughtful, and with a click you can also turn yourself into a dog, a Disney princess, or a cutesy bunny. Playful and addictive it is yes, but also weird to see yourself cartoonified.

I’m scared that all this embellishment reflects a longing to be the Cadbury’s Caramel bunny – something that all the makeup in the world won’t achieve.

In an age of virtual enhancement, a narcissism overload lowering our self-esteem, I’m going to say a decent concealer as I head out into the real world (head held high without the thought-added dog ears) is good enough for me. Blam, blam… a bit of Studio Finish SPF concealer by MAC and I’m off out. With my phone switched off.

Follow Gemma on Twitter @gemcairn and Instagram @gemagain

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