Graziella DI GREZIA, Teresa IANNACCONE, Danilo Alunni FEGATELLI, Valentina GIUDICE
Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology - 2026;10(4):1-12
Introduction : Contemporary beauty perception is increasingly shaped by digital technologies, social media exposure, and the normalization of aesthetic interventions. The widespread use of image-editing applications and algorithm-driven visual standards has amplified unrealistic aesthetic expectations, particularly among younger individuals. Recent conceptual work has introduced kalórexia as an emerging aesthetic dysmorphism characterized by digitally mediated appearance-related distress, distinct from traditional body dysmorphic disorder due to its strong technological determinants. Empirical data on how individuals perceive beauty, digital filters, aesthetic procedures, and the potential influence of medical imaging remain limited. Objective : To investigate digital influences on body image, aesthetic perceptions, and the role of radiological imaging in shaping appearance -related attitudes. Methods : This cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey explored sociodemographic characteristics, digital habits, attitudes toward physical appearance, aesthetic procedures, and the perceived impact of radiological imaging on body image. The questionnaire included multiple-choice and Likert-scale items assessing discomfort, self-image perception, and awareness of digitally shaped beauty standards. A total of 165 individuals completed the survey. Descriptive statistics and subgroup comparisons across three predefined clusters were performed by an independent biostatistician. Results : Respondents reported frequent social media exposure and varying degrees of preoccupation with appearance. Digital filters were widely perceived as influential, and many participants experienced discomfort when viewing unfiltered images. Aesthetic procedures were relatively common, with heterogeneous satisfaction levels. While most did not seek radiological examinations for aesthetic purposes, many acknowledged that imaging could influence body perception. A substantial proportion recognized kalórexia as a real phenomenon. Conclusion : Findings support the view of kalórexia as an emerging construct shaped by digital culture, aesthetic norms, and evolving clinical practices. The interplay between social media exposure, discomfort with unfiltered images, aesthetic procedures, and perceived imaging influence underscores the need for interdisciplinary awareness, particularly among radiologists.
