Survey: Seven in Ten Hong Kong Gen Z Retouch Selfies Before Posting
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A recent survey reveals that photo retouching has become a widespread habit among Hong Kong's younger generation. Conducted by the Hong Kong Mental Wellness Association and Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, the study polled 983 local residents between the ages of 11 and 30 from December 2025 to May 2026, uncovering significant trends in self-image and social media behavior .
Key Points
- Nearly 70 percent (69.2%) of respondents admitted to editing their selfies before posting online, with female respondents, tertiary students, and young working professionals showing the highest tendency
- The five most common photo-editing practices are concealing physical flaws, smoothing skin, slimming down, whitening teeth, and enhancing facial features such as cheekbones and eye color
- About 40 percent of those surveyed expressed eagerness to substantially change their appearance, while over one-third reported disliking their reflection in mirrors or photographs
- Dr May Lam Mei-ling, founder of the Hong Kong Mental Wellness Association, noted that frequent photo editing correlates with lower self-compassion and increased self-criticism, with about 20.2 percent of respondents regularly engaging in negative self-talk
- Singer Serrini, performing artist Grace Mak Ka-yan, encouraged young people to pursue authentic beauty, referencing her lyric work "Human Imperfections are Beautiful" and emphasizing that flaws can be unique forms of attractiveness
Why It Matters
The widespread adoption of photo retouching among Hong Kong youth signals deeper concerns about self-image and emotional well-being, with the survey indicating that over half of respondents rated their well-being below international standards . As social media increasingly serves as a platform for external self-presentation, health experts are calling for balanced approaches to social media use and the cultivation of healthier aesthetic values that celebrate authenticity over perfection .
The widespread adoption of photo retouching among Hong Kong youth signals deeper concerns about self-image and emotional well-being, with the survey indicating that over half of respondents rated their well-being below international standards . As social media increasingly serves as a platform for external self-presentation, health experts are calling for balanced approaches to social media use and the cultivation of healthier aesthetic values that celebrate authenticity over perfection .