‘We’ve been constructed to think a certain way’: the psychology of ageing

Smooth-skinned influencers post clips of themselves being injected with “preventative Botox” to stave off wrinkles before they even emerge.

Radio frequency devices promise to tighten skin, serums are spruiked to achieve the “glass skin” or “glazed donut” look, and a straw designed like a flute has been invented to avoid lip lines. Today, the “anti-aging” hashtag on TikTok has 1.2 million posts.

Griffith University’s Dr Veya Seekis, who researches appearance anxiety in young people, is concerned social media is being used to stoke fears about ageing earlier than ever before. Many influencers are paid to promote products, she says, and cosmetic surgeons tout “baby Botox” as a positive way to invest in your appearance.