Society’s Obsession With Looking Young Forever

Many people in their twenties, thirties, and even teenage years, are extremely obsessed with youth, and staying in their “prime.” This is an extremely toxic way of thinking, not only individually, but societally. The cosmetic industry as a whole capitalizes on such insecurities with magical anti-aging serums, surgery, and even sometimes drugs. Although it is fascinating to look at how people fight the natural aging process, the real question is how did we get here. Why is youth the basic beauty standard of almost all cultures?

One reason that gets thrown around all too often is that social media and the internet have worsened the fear of becoming “unattractive.” With most algorithms favoring those with a more youthful appearance, it can feel like that’s all anyone looks like nowadays. It’s human nature to want to be what they see all around them, which is unrealistic and toxic beauty standards. It has been stated again and again that ways need to change to create a more healthy standard thought process. Even though all these accusations have been thrown around willy-nilly, there is nothing done to help slow the spread of unhealthy standards that are seemingly ravaging the nation, if not the world. 

Although advertisements and fame have pushed the prerogative, it’s also important not to blame everything on social media. This obsession started long before modern technology was even created. We see stories of rich duchesses taking blood baths to create younger-looking skin or even injecting children’s blood into their bodies. This could be a result of the fear of dying. Everyone knows that as you grow older, you grow closer to death, which can be scary for many people. 

There are many childhood stories one might have been told as a child, tales of the Fountain of Youth and The Holy Grail. These mythical objects were said to give the user eternal youth and power. This could mean that some people are scared of feeling weak, rather than the actual aesthetic of youth, which does coincidentally go hand and hand with the fear of death reason. 

One thing that is undeniable while looking into this topic, is the fact that most of these insecurities are projected directly to women. Unfortunately, especially in the media, this is not directly from men. Although these beauty standards were most likely created by men, it is mostly ‘toxic femininity’ that is keeping these ideals alive. Yes, there are entitled men who push their ideals on the women around them, take Victoria’s Secret for example. But on a smaller scale, it is normally the very same victims that are continuously spreading those standards. This is caused by the social pressure that was placed on them at a young age. 

In order to fix this ever-growing problem, it is essential that we, the new coming generations, break such a disgusting cycle. Next time you think a bad thought about yourself, think of why you may be thinking such a thought. Do you really think that, or do you feel pressured to think that? In conclusion, everyone needs to spread positivity in as many ways as humanly possible, whether that be simply smiling as you pass someone in the hallway, or giving compliments to every new person you meet.