The facelift is moving into new territory.

A rapid search on socials and my feed is inundated wiht posts from people in their late 20s, 30s, discussing different types of facelift – the mini, the ponytail, the deep plane.

Gone are the days when facelifts were reserved for the ageing wealthy – now an increasing number of younger

the Rise of the ‘Snapchat Facelift’: More Young People Are Opting for Cosmetic Surgery

For Emily, who had a facelift at 28, it was about getting a “snatched look” – a sculpted, sharp jaw, high cheekbones and fox eyes.She says having surgery in Turkey was “life-changing” and she does not regret it.

“in total I had six surgeries rolled into one,” she explains. “Among them I had a mid- face lift, a lip lift and a rhinoplasty [nose job].”

Describing the process, the businesswoman from Toronto, Canada, says the surgeon played her favourite song as she went under general anaesthetic and then: “I fell asleep and I woke up, threw up, and I had a new face and a new nose.”

The recovery process was long – the pain and bruising began to subside over the first few weeks, but it took six months for Emily to regain feeling in parts of her cheeks.

Would she do it again? She hesitates.

“Sence my surgery, I’ve changed my life. I’m healthier, I drink a lot less, I look after my skin, I sleep. I think if I knew what I know now I might not have gone through with it.

“My mum didn’t even know until I told her a couple of days after surgery.”

But then she stops and reflects.

“But I just wanted to be the best version of myself,” Emily says,”and now I think I am.”

Figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) show an 8% increase in facelifts over the past 12 months in the UK – they don’t break down the figures by age, but many members report that the demographic is shifting.

This is reflected in other parts of the world, with the American Society of plastic Surgeons seeing a rise in Gen X (ages 45 to 60) opting for a facelift.

Nora Nugent, president of BAAPS, believes there are a host of reasons for the change – including the rise of weight-loss medications.

“Losing weight so qui

As he finishes, the client, who has been under the knife for four hours, smiles in relief.

one of the reasons itS become more appealing, Mr Lee says, is the ease with which face and neck lifts can now be carried out. Once reserved for a hospital theater and requiring a general anaesthetic, he now carries the face and neck lift without sedation in his clinic.

It’s an “exciting time” in the industry, he says, with developments happening at speed. While the classic facelift – which focuses on the lower jaw and neck is still popular,there are newer treatments which target the upper two thirds of the face – where he says,the ageing process begins and is noticeable at a younger age.The surgeon caveats this saying a facelift is suitable for those over 40, but it would be very unusual to carry out such a complex procedure on someone in their 20s and 30s.

There are risks and complications involved in these kind of procedures, such as developing a hematoma – a collection of blood under the skin which, if not treated, could lead to necrosis (death of surrounding tissues), infections, nerve injury and alopecia.

A facelift costs, on average, £15,000-£45,000 in the UK, but there are clinics offering these procedures for as little as £5,000.

Experts say it is importent to do your research and choose a plastic surgeon who specialises in facelifts.“`html

The Normalisation of Online Harassment

2025/10/11 05:27:37

Online harassment, once considered an extreme fringe of internet culture, is becoming increasingly commonplace. While awareness of issues like cyberbullying and online abuse has risen,so to has the frequency with which people encounter – and even accept – harmful behavior online. This isn’t simply about an increase in incidents; it’s about a shift in societal perception, where harassment is being normalised.

What Does “Normalisation” Mean in this Context?

Normalisation doesn’t mean people are actively approving of harassment. Instead, it refers to a process where abusive behaviours become so frequent that they are perceived as a typical, unavoidable part of online life. This can lead to:

• desensitisation: Individuals become less shocked or disturbed by harassment, diminishing the emotional impact.
• Acceptance: A belief that harassment is simply “part of the internet” and therefore unavoidable.
• Reduced Reporting: Victims may be less likely to report incidents if they believe nothing will be done or that the abuse isn’t “serious enough.”
• Self-Censorship: People may limit their online participation to avoid becoming targets.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

social media platforms play a significant role in this normalisation. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement frequently enough prioritize sensational content, which can include abusive or inflammatory posts. While platforms have policies against harassment, enforcement is frequently enough inconsistent and reactive rather then proactive.

Furthermore, the sheer volume of content on these platforms makes it difficult to monitor and address every instance of abuse. The speed at which details spreads online also means that harmful content can quickly reach a wide audience before it can be removed.

The Impact on Individuals and Society

The normalisation of online harassment has far-reaching consequences. For individuals, it can lead to:

• Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
• Fear and Isolation: A reluctance to participate in online communities.
• Damage to Reputation: False accusations and online smear campaigns.

On a societal level, normalisation can:

• Silence Marginalized Voices: Those most vulnerable to harassment – women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals – may be driven offline.
• Undermine Democratic Discourse: Abuse can stifle debate and discourage participation in political discussions.
• Erode Trust in Online Spaces: A perception that the internet is a hostile surroundings.

Why is This Happening?

Several factors contribute to the normalisation of online harassment:

The anonymity afforded by the internet can embolden individuals to engage in behaviours they wouldn’t exhibit in person. This, combined with a lack of accountability and the echo chamber effect of social media, creates a breeding ground for abuse.

The echo chamber effect,where individuals are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs,can reinforce harmful attitudes and normalize abusive behaviours. Political polarization and the spread of misinformation also contribute to a climate of hostility and intolerance.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the normalisation of online harassment requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Stronger Platform Policies: Social media companies need to invest in more effective moderation and enforcement of their policies.
• Increased Accountability: Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, including legal consequences where appropriate.
• Media literacy Education: Teaching individuals how to critically evaluate online information and identify harmful content.
• Promoting Empathy and Respect: Encouraging positive online interactions and fostering a culture of respect.
• Bystander Intervention: Empowering individuals to speak out against harassment when they witness it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is online harassment really that harmful?

Yes. Online harassment can have serious psychological and emotional consequences for victims, and can also have a chilling effect on free speech and democratic participation.

What should I do if I’m being harassed online?

Document the harassment,block the perpetrator,report the incident to the platform,and seek support from friends,family,or a mental health professional.

Can I be held legally responsible for something I say online