ZDFzeit - Beauty, selfies, self-control - The search for the perfect "me"
Be better. Fit, beautiful and successful: that's how many people want their perfect self to be. It is often a competition against oneself: the desire to optimise oneself. Apps and smartwatches allow us to constantly monitor our own lifestyle. Perfection is then presented on Instagram: Clicked, shared, liked, new ideals are omnipresent. But what happens when the will to perform and the pressure to perform become a compulsion? Felix is 35 years old, but he doesn't feel that way. And he doesn't want to look like that either. But ampoules, creams and beauty oils are not enough for him. Felix has been having cosmetic surgery for around 15 years. "I started having Botox in my early 20s. My mum doesn't know me any differently." Smoothing the forehead, strengthening the chin line, tightening the face - that's what's on the agenda for his next visit to the beauty clinic.
For Felix, it is important to have an attractive appearance. The desire for youth and a perfect appearance is also reflected in the statistics: more and more young people are going under the knife at an early age to look more attractive, fresher and fitter. Around a third of cosmetic surgeons' customers are now male. For many, the motivation is also linked to the pressure to perform that they feel at work. Recently, social media has become an additional battle zone. A perfect family, beautiful children, a harmonious family life - this is how mum blogger Sarah presents herself to her 53,000 followers on Instagram. The 29-year-old is a mum of two and earns a lot of money with her Insta account.
She publishes stories, reels and posts every day, giving her fans deep insights into her private life, her relationship and her motherhood. "My wrist and neck often hurt in the evening because I work so much on my mobile phone." Self-promotion has become a full-time job for Sarah - her Insta profile radiates lightness and joy - but behind it all is a well-oiled machine that the Insta-Mom has to keep under control around the clock. Rike drives herself to peak sporting performance. Sport comes first for the 39-year-old policewoman. She goes running, swimming and cycling several times a week. In order to achieve her training goal, she often puts her family and friends to one side.
Ever since I took part in the Ironman in Hawaii five years ago, I've had a score to settle - I wasn't at all happy with my final result." Achieving her best time once again is her big goal. On Instagram, Rike can see every day what top sporting performances are being achieved - the success of others puts her under pressure in addition to her own motivation. Social networks are a showcase for what is considered exemplary in our society. But what happens when the perfect image has to give way to imperfect reality? The "ZDF.reportage" accompanies the three self-optimisers in their everyday lives.
Broadcasting on 28th of February 2024 at 06.55am on ZDFinfo
Music: POPVIRUS Library