We’ve never felt worse about the way we look – and who’s to blame?

The furore over an unedited photograph of Khloe Kardashian shines a light on social media’s warped values which are having a horribly negative impact on mental and physical health, writes Janet Street-Porter

Khloe Kardashian has admitted that ‘the pressure to be perfect is too much to bear’ (Alamy/PA)

Reality star Khloe Kardashian has offered a long justification for trying to remove an unedited picture of herself from social media. The casual image of the reality star in a bikini looked fresh and natural – too natural for Khloe’s taste. She claimed the photo, taken by a family member, infringed her copyright and publication was detrimental to her work and mental health.

How can an unposed smiley photo of an attractive young woman be deemed so offensive and damaging? The ensuing furore shines a light on the warped values of social media, values which are having a horribly negative impact on mental and physical health. Eating disorders, self-harming and body dysmorphia are all soaring as impressionable young people try to emulate the images of perfection streamed constantly on social media.

Khloe posted a statement explaining her actions claiming that, “the pressure to be perfect is too much to bear”, adding, “I love a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there... how I choose to look and what I want to share is my choice.” Yes, but those choices are dictated by the simple need to drive online business through endorsements and sell products, not simply gain new friends.