Photo Editing in The Age of Social Media: A Critical Literature Review and Future Research Directions

In an era increasingly defined by visual communication, photo editing has become a normalized and socially embedded practice among social media users. Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok promote curated self-presentation through filters and enhancement tools, raising important questions about the psychological and social effects of such behaviors. This paper synthesizes recent empirical research on photo editing behavior, focusing on four dominant themes: body image dissatisfaction, social comparison, intentions for cosmetic enhancement, and the use of editing in tourism and experiential memory. The review also highlights the methodological patterns shaping current research, notably the dominance of cross-sectional survey designs and limited use of qualitative and longitudinal methods. Conceptual gaps, including underexplored demographics, theoretical limitations, and ethical concerns about algorithmic beauty and authenticity, are critically examined. In response, the paper outlines directions for future research, emphasizing the need for more diverse sampling, longitudinal designs, and integrative theoretical models such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and Self-Presentation Theory. The study calls for a more culturally inclusive and ethically engaged approach to understanding how users navigate visual identity in a digitally mediated world. Keywords: Photo editing, social media, self-presentation, body image, digital identity, social comparison, future research