#NoFilter Series: 2030 Scenario — Real

If you haven’t read the previous blog post introducing the four possible future worlds, here’s a brief summary: based on current trends in beauty and how we use social platforms, we predicted how beauty would be perceived in 2030 using the 2x2 matrix method of scenario building. We identified four possibilities; first is a world that we call ‘Real,’ where people embrace their physical identities and flaws, and beauty filters and digital augmentations are uncommon. Physical identity and natural beauty are first and foremost in this world.

I know that this ‘Real’ world does not sound that exciting and doesn’t feel like something to ‘hope’ for at first. The significance of this world lies not in any benefits or advantages that we will have in this world but in the consequences that we will face as a society in any world other than this one.

A world where imperfections are considered natural

One morning in 2030, you log in to your Instagram. The first image in your feed is a selfie from your high school friend — she’s changed a lot. The same girl who used to look like a doll with heavy makeup and upload digitally altered selfies has uploaded a selfie with visible blemishes, acne, and whatnot! You remember that you’ve hardly seen her like this before 2021.