Airbrush is an application for editing photos that enables the user to improve their selfies and photos with filters, tools, and effects. However, there are some issues that some users have raised concerning the safety of the app and privacy. In this article, we will be looking at the possibility of Airbrush being a safe app to use.
Privacy Concerns
One issue that one may have with Airbrush is its privacy policy. The app needs permission to use the camera, photo library, and storage on your device, which makes one wonder how your data is being collected and managed. The company that owns Airbrush, states in its privacy policy that it gathers user data like name, email address, and information about your device, which may be shared with third-party service providers and advertisers.
Promoting Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Filters in photo editing applications allow people to change their looks to an extent that is impossible in real life. They can make skin shiny, eliminate pimples, reduce body size, and alter the facial structure. The numerous pictures posted on social media platforms that are airbrushed to perfection make people feel uncomfortable about their natural appearance.
Some of the negative effects of social media include poor self-esteem and body image due to comparison with the touched up pictures. A study showed that the more the participants engaged in photo editing, the higher the levels of self-objectification, physical appearance comparisons, and lower self-esteem. This is because when people are exposed to only perfect, touched images, they become very harsh on themselves.
Some may go to the extent of seeking plastic surgery in order to get a similar appearance to what they see in the photos which can be very costly and dangerous. Some plastic surgeons have said that patients have come in with doctored selfies as a reference for the surgery.
Parental Controls and Age Restrictions
Airbrush is a very popular application among teenagers and young adults, but it is not recommended for children. It has in-app purchases and can present users with content or advertisements of an adult nature. These are risks that parents should know and possibly consider using the parental control options on the devices to restrict the app.
Alternatives to Airbrush
If you are worried about the safety and privacy of Airbrush, then it is better to use other photo editing applications that might be safer to use. Some of the apps that can be recommended as Airbrush alternatives are Snapseed, VSCO, and Adobe Lightroom because they have similar functionality but do not violate the users’ privacy as actively as Airbrush does.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Airbrush is a powerful and convenient photo editing app, it’s important to be aware of the potential privacy and security risks associated with using it.
Before downloading and using the app, be sure to review its privacy policy, consider the type of data you’re sharing, and explore alternative options that may be safer and more secure.
Also, It is much more fulfilling to be comfortable in your skin than to use applications such as Airbrush to make you look like a supermodel. When you accept yourself as you are, and you don’t have to enhance your photos to look beautiful, then you are free from the societal pressures of beauty.