Plastic surgery is becoming so common and hard to detect that it is changing how we see reality, according to writer Jia Tolentino. She says the pursuit of an 'Instagram face' is making people lose the small flaws that make them human.
Tolentino, a staff writer for The New Yorker, points out that beauty standards now often match what artificial intelligence creates. As surgery gets better at looking natural, it is harder to tell what is real and what is not.
The trend worries some experts. They say people may feel pressure to change their looks to match a perfect image that does not exist in real life. This can affect how people see themselves and others.
Tolentino's comments come as more people choose cosmetic procedures. Many want to look like filtered photos or social media stars. But some argue that this focus on perfection takes away the uniqueness of each person.
The debate is part of a larger conversation about technology and identity. As AI and surgery advance, the line between natural and artificial becomes less clear. For now, Tolentino urges people to think about what they value in appearance. She asks whether aiming for a flawless look is worth losing the imperfections that make us who we are.