When Beauty Becomes a Burden: The Internet’s Dangerous Definition of Perfection

Published

1 week ago

July 13, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Marvis Eseberuo

“You’re pretty, but you would look better if your nose was smaller.”

“Your body is nice, but you need a smaller waist.”

“You are beautiful, but your skin should be lighter.”

These are the kinds of comments that have become normal on social media. What is disturbing is not just that people say them, but that many of us have started believing them. Somewhere between scrolling through TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, we allowed the internet to become the judge of what beauty should look like. In doing so, we handed over something that should have been personal to an audience that is impossible to satisfy.

The internet has not simply changed beauty standards, it has turned them into moving targets. Every few months, a different appearance is declared the ideal one. One moment, everyone wants thick eyebrows. The next, thin brows are back. One year, people chase dramatic makeup. The next, the “clean girl” look dominates every timeline. Curvy bodies are celebrated until suddenly being extremely slim becomes fashionable again. The trend changes so quickly that people barely have enough time to embrace one version of themselves before another standard arrives to replace it.

This endless cycle benefits one group more than anyone. Every new trend creates another product to sell, another cosmetic procedure to advertise, another filter to download and another insecurity to exploit. If people were genuinely satisfied with how they looked, many businesses would struggle to convince them to spend money changing themselves. In many ways, insecurity has become a profitable business model.

What concerns me most is how quietly this pressure enters our lives. No one wakes up one morning and suddenly decides they are not attractive. It happens little by little. You scroll through hundreds of carefully edited pictures every day. You see influencers whose faces appear flawless from every angle. You watch transformation videos that receive millions of views. Eventually, you stand in front of your own mirror and begin noticing flaws you had never paid attention to before.

The mirror has not changed. Your face has not changed. What has changed is your perspection.

Many young people now know their faces through phone cameras better than they know them in real life. Some become uncomfortable seeing themselves without filters because they have grown used to a digital version of themselves. Others refuse to upload pictures until they have adjusted their skin tone, edited their body, reshaped their nose, brightened their teeth or smoothed away every mark that proves they are human. It is a strange reality when people feel more confident as edited images than as themselves.

Perhaps the most dangerous consequence of this culture is that it teaches people to treat appearance as an achievement rather than a natural part of life. Instead of asking whether someone is kind, intelligent, disciplined or compassionate, conversations often begin with appearance. Compliments have become strangely conditional. “You would be prettier if…” has replaced simple appreciation. Beauty is no longer enough unless it fits the latest online template.

Some argue that there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve one’s appearance. They are right. There is nothing wrong with skincare, makeup, fitness or even cosmetic surgery when they are personal choices made without pressure. The problem begins when those choices are driven by fear of rejection rather than genuine self-expression. There is a significant difference between changing your appearance because it makes you happy and changing it because you believe you are unworthy without it.

Another uncomfortable truth is that social media often rewards conformity. The faces and bodies that receive the most attention usually resemble one another. As users notice what performs well online, many begin altering themselves to fit the algorithm’s preferences. Gradually, individuality disappears. Everyone wants the same lips, the same hairstyle, the same poses, the same editing style and even the same expressions. Ironically, platforms that encourage people to “be yourself” often reward those who look like everyone else.

This obsession has also changed the way people experience everyday life. Vacations become photoshoots. Restaurants become backgrounds for selfies. A beautiful outfit is no longer simply worn; it must first be photographed from the perfect angle. Instead of enjoying moments, many people now worry about whether those moments are attractive enough to post. Life increasingly feels like content waiting to happen.

The psychological cost of this culture deserves more attention than it receives. Constant comparison rarely inspires confidence. Instead, it creates dissatisfaction. A person who spends hours comparing themselves with strangers online is unlikely to appreciate their own uniqueness. It becomes easy to believe everyone else is happier, more attractive and more successful, forgetting that social media is designed to showcase highlights rather than reality.

Even those considered “internet beautiful” are rarely free from pressure. Influencers constantly face criticism over weight gain, ageing, acne, hairstyles and clothing choices. Every photograph becomes an invitation for strangers to inspect their appearance. The pursuit of perfection has no finish line because perfection itself does not exist. Those chasing it eventually discover that meeting one expectation only creates another.

Families and schools cannot ignore this problem. Young people need conversations about media literacy just as much as they need lessons in mathematics or literature. They should understand that algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, not emotionally healthy. They should learn that lighting, editing applications, cosmetic procedures and camera angles shape much of what appears effortless online. More importantly, they should know that their worth cannot be measured by comments, followers or likes.

Parents also have a role to play. Children who grow up hearing only comments about appearance may eventually believe that appearance is all that matters. Praising qualities such as resilience, honesty, creativity and kindness helps build identities that are stronger than physical appearance alone. Confidence rooted in character survives trends. Confidence rooted only in looks often disappears the moment beauty standards change.

The media, too, must accept some responsibility. While representation has improved over the years, many advertisements and campaigns still promote narrow ideas of attractiveness. Audiences deserve to see people with different body types, skin tones, ages and facial features. Diversity should not be treated as a marketing strategy but as an honest reflection of society.

Ultimately, I do not believe the internet created insecurity. Human beings have always compared themselves with others. What the internet has done is amplify that tendency beyond anything previous generations experienced. Comparison is now available twenty-four hours a day, carried conveniently in our pockets. We no longer compare ourselves with classmates or neighbours alone. We compare ourselves with millions of carefully selected images from across the world.

That is a comparison nobody can win.

Beauty should never become a burden people carry every time they leave their homes or open an app. It should not require constant validation from strangers. It should not demand endless spending or endless self-criticism. Most importantly, it should not convince anyone that they must become someone else before they deserve confidence.

Perhaps the real standard of beauty is not found in flawless skin, perfect proportions or viral trends. Perhaps it is found in authenticity, the courage to exist without constantly seeking approval from people who know nothing about us beyond a photograph on a screen.

The internet will continue to redefine beauty because trends are profitable and attention is valuable. We cannot control that. What we can control is whether we allow those trends to determine how we see ourselves. The day we stop allowing algorithms to decide our value is the day beauty stops being a burden and starts becoming what it was always meant to be: a reflection of individuality rather than conformity.

Muslims Observe Eid al-Adha with Prayers, Charity, and Calls for Peace

Published

5 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Eddy Success

Thousands of Muslims across Nigeria gathered in mosques and designated prayer grounds to celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam.

This reporter visited Erie Central Mosque, located along Akpakpava Road in Benin City, where worshippers joined other Muslims across the country in observing the festival. The celebration, marked by special congregational prayers, charitable acts, and the symbolic sacrifice of animals, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son before Allah provided a ram in his place.

The day’s activities began early in the morning with Eid prayers led by Islamic scholars and Imams. During the sermons, worshippers were reminded of the importance of faith, obedience to Allah, humility, patience, and compassion for others. Religious leaders also encouraged Muslims to uphold honesty, justice, and peaceful coexistence in their daily lives.

Speaking after the prayers, the Chief Imam of the Benin Central Mosque emphasised that Eid al-Adha is not only a celebration but also an opportunity for self-reflection and service to humanity. He urged Muslims to extend kindness to the less privileged and to promote unity among people regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Following the prayers, many families performed the ritual sacrifice of rams, goats, or cows in accordance with Islamic teachings. The meat was shared among family members, neighbours, and people in need, reflecting the Islamic values of generosity and social responsibility.

Several charitable organisations and Islamic groups also organised food distribution programmes, free medical outreaches, and support for orphanages and vulnerable households. Volunteers visited hospitals and correctional facilities, offering gifts, prayers, and words of encouragement to patients and inmates.

Many worshippers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the festival peacefully. Amina Yusuf, a Muslim resident of Benin City, described the occasion as a time of gratitude, sacrifice, and togetherness.

Another participant, Ibrahim Bello, said the festival serves as a reminder that true devotion to Allah is demonstrated through obedience, sacrifice, and care for others.

Security agencies maintained a visible presence at major prayer grounds to ensure the safety of worshippers, while traffic officials managed the movement of people and vehicles throughout the celebration.

As the festivities concluded, Islamic leaders called on citizens to continue promoting peace, tolerance, and national unity. They encouraged Muslims to uphold the teachings of Islam by showing love, respect, and generosity within their communities throughout the year.

The successful observance of Eid al-Adha once again highlighted the role of the Islamic faith in fostering spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service, and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.

How Government Policies Continue To Shape Everyday Business In Nigeria

Published

5 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Weyinmi Oghoejafor

For millions of Nigerians, the economy is experienced long before it is discussed in newspapers or on television. Every visit to the market, every bus ride, every electricity bill, and every purchase reflects the current state of the country’s economy. Business owners, workers, students, and families all feel the effects of government policies that influence prices, employment opportunities, and the overall cost of living.

Across major cities and rural communities, traders say operating a business has become increasingly challenging. Rising fuel prices have increased the cost of transporting goods from farms and factories to markets. Shop owners who depend on generators because of unreliable electricity spend more on diesel and petrol, forcing many to raise the prices of their goods in order to remain in business.

Market surveys indicate that consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending as inflation continues to reduce purchasing power. Many families now prioritise essential needs such as food, transportation, medicine, and education while cutting back on non-essential purchases. This shift in consumer behaviour has affected sales for many small businesses.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. From neighbourhood POS operators and food vendors to fashion designers, mechanics, tailors, barbers, and online retailers, these businesses provide employment and income for millions of people. However, many entrepreneurs say that access to affordable loans, stable electricity, and good roads would enable them to expand their operations and employ more workers.

Economists explain that government policies on taxation, public spending, exchange rates, and monetary policy play a significant role in determining the business environment. Investments in roads, railways, ports, agriculture, education, and digital infrastructure can lower business costs, improve productivity, and attract both local and foreign investors. Consistent policies also give businesses the confidence to plan for long-term growth.

Despite the current economic challenges, young Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. Many have embraced digital entrepreneurship by selling products through platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Others have established businesses in agriculture, poultry farming, fish farming, graphic design, software development, photography, content creation, logistics, and phone repairs. These ventures not only generate income but also contribute to national economic development.

Financial analysts believe that reducing inflation, improving electricity supply, strengthening security, and supporting small businesses through affordable financing would significantly improve the country’s business environment. They also recommend greater transparency, policy consistency, and increased investment in education and skills development to prepare young people for a changing economy.

As Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms, citizens remain hopeful that practical policies and responsible governance will create a stronger and more resilient economy. Business owners say that when operating costs are reduced, businesses can expand, employ more people, and offer products at more affordable prices. Many agree that sustainable economic growth depends on collaboration among the government, the private sector, and citizens working together toward the common goal of national development.

Abraka Metro

DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 Celebrates Creativity Despite Heavy Rainfall

Published

5 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Blessing Alumona and Miracle Akpoyovwvayire

The second edition of the DELSU Photo Festival was held on July 17, 2026, in front of the university Sports Complex. Although the programme was originally scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., persistent rainfall delayed the event until about 2:00 p.m. A large canopy was provided to shield participants from the rain, while lively music entertained students as they arrived at the venue.

The event opened on a cheerful note with comedy and light-hearted remarks by Professor Odion Odiboh, creating an exciting atmosphere despite the weather. This was followed by the official opening address delivered by Comrade Regina Egbiamiye, President of the Department of Journalism. After her remarks, the pageantry segment commenced, with contestants representing the Departments of Mass Communication, Journalism, and Broadcasting showcasing their confidence and creativity. At the same time, judges assessed students’ photography projects while music kept the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the festival was an interactive question-and-answer session that actively involved students and kept the audience engaged. Student union representatives, departmental executives, lecturers, and students participated throughout the programme, contributing to its lively and memorable atmosphere.

Speaking after the event, Faith Ogbotor, a 200-level Journalism student, described the festival as enjoyable and memorable. She said that although the heavy rainfall affected the programme, it did not prevent participants from having a rewarding experience.

Another participant, Tejiri Mathias, a Mass Communication student, also commended the event but expressed concerns about what he described as partiality during some of the games. He suggested that improvements could be made in future editions to ensure fairness.

The festival concluded with the announcement of winners from the three departments. Four students emerged as winners from the Department of Broadcasting, twelve from the Department of Journalism, and twenty-two from the Department of Mass Communication. Each department also selected three overall outstanding winners through a voting process, and the successful participants received awards in recognition of their performances.

The celebration ended with music, dancing, and the distribution of refreshments to students, lecturers, and student executives. The joyful atmosphere and shared moments of celebration brought the 2026 DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 to a successful and memorable conclusion for everyone in attendance.