A few weeks ago an app called iAugment was released onto the market, which digitally enhances your breasts with your phone, but is this kind of app just harmless fun or a bit worrying?
Recently, I’ve seen a proliferation in mobile applications designed to make users think more about the way they look. Whether you want to see what you’d look like with an extreme tan, try Jersey Shore Tan or TanningBooth, find out if your face is perfectly symmetrical and good-looking, try Beauty Check, see what you’d look like with a more streamlined nose, try Plastic Surgery Dr. 90210, or want to bump up your bra size, try iAugment.
But the big question is should these kinds of applications be seen as harmless fun, like many of the other silly apps on the market. Or, could these “enhancing” apps have a negative effect on the way we view our looks?
Obviously this brings us back to some age-old questions about whether we’re swayed by what we see around us or whether our insecurities come from somewhere much deeper, discussions that I don’t think anyone really has a sure-fire answer to.
Although I don’t have any problem viewing these apps in the same category as those purely for entertainment that make you look older or like an animal, I can’t help but think there’s something a little worrying about the more extreme ones that show you what you’d look like post-cosmetic surgery.
For those genuinely considering surgery already, I imagine an app that shows you expected results and gives you more details about the procedure and after care could be really beneficial.
But what about those that haven’t thought about more extreme options up until now?
Surely you’d think that an app wouldn’t push you toward surgery if it hadn’t already been on your mind. However, that’s certainly not what those behind the iAugment app seem to think, as it’s been created by a group of plastic surgeons and has a “Find a surgeon” option on its main screen.
Some of the reviews, which granted may not be genuine, also suggest people were happy with the results:
“It made me look super hot!”
"BETTER THAN FALSIES. What an awesome app! I have always wanted bigger breast but too shy to see a physician. This was the KICKER! Scheduled my appointment 2day!"
It’s hardly surprising that our mobile technology is mirroring our obsession with body image and plastic surgery and I imagine more apps that show us ways to enhance, augment and “perfect” our bodies are on their way…
Becca Caddy is a BitchBuzz Tech columnist and freelance writer. She is also the UK editor of US-based tech blog Popgadget.net. You can follow her @beccacaddy or read her blog beccacaddy.com.
Image via the Apple Store.