Visual Filtering
Using enhanced or unrealistic visuals to manipulate perception and engagement.
Examples
Filters that can beautify or touchup appearance used for comparison and to lower self-esteem.
Displaying heavily edited or unrealistic images that misrepresent reality and affect user perception.
Using sensationalized or digitally enhanced thumbnails to grab attention and drive engagement.
Using visual tricks like wide-angle lenses to make spaces appear larger than they are in reality.
Presenting food in an exaggerated or stylized way that looks more appealing than it is in reality.
Altruheuristics
Biology
- Exclusion: Filters create misrepresentation and are not inclusive if user doesn’t realize filter is used.
- Status Play: User compare themselves to unrealistic ideals or have unrealistic expectations.
- Reminders: It’s a dangerous reminder that the user needs fixing.
- Anxiety: Repetitive exposure leads to renumeration and to depression.
- Comparison: Comparison to manufactured ideals designed to appear perfect leads to worry and more.
- Trust: False advertising.
CBT Distortions
- Shoulds e.g. I should look like that.
- Filtering e.g. Why can’t I look like that?
- Labelling e.g. I’m no good because I don’t look like this.
- Overgeneralization e.g. Everyone else is better.
- Discounting the Positives e.g. My features are not good.
- Jumping to Conclusions e.g. I should get this as it can fix me.
- Catastrophizing e.g. What if I can’t look like this?
Biases
- Framing Bias
- Priming
- Survivorship Bias
- Conformity Bias
- Affinity Bias
Circ’s Principles
- Balance: Always think about keeping the user in allostasis.
- Esteem: Respect the values & boundaries or the user.
- Transparency: Display risks of biases and distortions for illusive interactions that are unavoidable.
Mental Health
- Narcissism: Avoid the elevation of self-importance through power dynamics.
- Depression: Avoid comparison, highlight reels and distorted realities.
- Chronic Anxiety: Avoid the state of uncertainty and provide reassurance.
- ADHD: Avoid impulsive habit forming interactions and context switching.
Traditional Heuristics
Jakob Nielson Principles
- Match Real World: Photos are not representative of the real product or person.
Gestalt
- None
Don Norman Principles
- None
Graphic Design
- None
Deceptive Patterns
- None