Table of ContentsChange FaceChange BodyChange EnvironmentConclusionIt's no secret that the media manipulates the truth in photos. Every time you open a magazine and/or see a photo of a model posted online, there's a good chance you're aware of the manipulation. Photo editors often make models appear thinner with larger, brighter eyes, pearly white teeth, and flawless skin; a perfect image, as we have come to know and sometimes even love. As the use of Photoshop and other photo manipulation software has become more prominent, an ethical debate has begun to swirl among us. Is it ethical to digitally alter someone's face, body, or even surroundings? Is the media creating an unrealizable idealism about what it means to be beautiful? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Changing Face In 2013, an untouched photo of famous singer, Beyoncé Knowles' L'Oréal campaign was leaked to the public (Prakash, 2015) (see Appendix A). In the photo, Beyoncé's skin is edited to create a smooth, flawless finish. Makeup is also enhanced, as the blush is darkened and the lipstick is made sharper. Neither L'Oréal nor Beyoncé released a public statement following the leak of the original, unedited image (Prakash, 2015). Beyoncé fans took to social media, expressing their disgust at those who mocked the singer. She is aging – imperfections and wrinkles are to be expected. This comparison between untouched and retouched is a great example of what the public expects from Photoshop. Beyoncé still looks like Beyoncé. Yes, her skin is significantly smoothed, but the integrity of her face has not been lost. Anyone who knows Beyoncé might take one look at this image for just a second and recognize it as her. There are still small flaws in the image, like stray eyebrow hairs, to give it an authentic feel. Since this photoshoot was done for a makeup campaign, some skin photoshopping is to be expected. The job of photographers and editors is to showcase the product, which is a testament to a job well done. This example of manipulation is tasteful, anticipated and harmless. Changing Body In 2014, a photo editor for Target.com altered a junior bikini model giving it what became known as a “thigh gap” (Murray, 2014) (see appendix). B). The alternation was not only dramatic, as it chiseled part of the teen's thigh and butt, but it seemed almost unfinished. Once customers noticed the mockery, outrage emerged on social media. Target released a public statement apologizing for the images and immediately removed them from the website (Murray, 2014). This particular example of photo manipulation is pitiful. First and foremost, the model is a teenage girl showing off bikini bottoms to other teenage girls. Children and adolescents should experience minimal handling, as they do not understand why the handling is taking place. As adults, we understand the media's desire for perfection; children may feel like they just weren't good enough or thin enough. Plus, the edit doesn't even look professional. If changes must occur, it is best that they are done in a subtle manner that preserves the primary integrity of the image. Changing an environment In 2006,.