This video is produced by Ditch the Label :

" We’re Ditch the Label, the global youth charity. Here to help you overcome some of the issues affecting you the most; bullying, mental wellbeing, identity and relationships. Get help at DitchtheLabel.org "

Representing Yourself and Relating to Others

0'00 : In modern society, images are everywhere. Photography, videos, and online pictures have become part of our daily lives. Thanks to new technologies, it is now easy to create and share our own portraits with anyone in the world. 

0'18 : Fashion also plays a role in self‑expression: the way we dress can reveal something about our personality and identity.
However, these tools can be misused. Young people sometimes use social media and digital images to make fun of or embarrass others, which can harm relationships and reputations.

A. Self‑Portraits, Selfies, and Social Media

0'38 : The self‑portrait is not a new art form, but it has gained new popularity with the rise of selfies. People take pictures of themselves everywhere, often with a smartphone, and post them online. This has made self‑representation an ordinary part of life. 

0'54 : Many great artists have also worked with self‑portraits — in the USA and UK, painters like Norman Rockwell, William Hogarth, J. M. W. Turner, and Andy Warhol used the genre to explore identity in their own way.

1'08 : A selfie is a digital self‑portrait, usually taken at arm’s length. In the last twenty years, the spread of social networks like Facebook and Instagram has made selfies extremely common, especially among young people. Selfies allow users to choose how they present themselves, often in a flattering way, and they can quickly share these images with others. This can create a feeling of community.

1'30 : Yet, research shows that selfies can also damage real‑life relationships. Humorous or edited photos might be mistaken for reality. Social media also pushes people to fit a certain model or trend, which can lead to uniformity and loss of individuality.

B. Fashion

1'48 : In the past, clothing styles were closely linked to social class and economic position. People’s outfits clearly indicated their status and role in society. In the 1960s, a big change came with ready‑to‑wear fashion, which made clothing cheaper and more accessible. Since then, fashion has been both a personal choice and a social signal.

2'11 : Today, style can still influence how others see us. Social groups often have their own codes of dress, and people may feel pressure to match them. Stereotypes can lead to rejection of those who do not follow the norm. Social media reinforces these pressures by rewarding certain appearances and trends, while making others invisible.

C. Bullying and Cyberbullying

2'31 : Bullying happens when someone uses threats, insults, or physical aggression to dominate or hurt others. It often targets people because of differences — such as social background, physical appearance, sexual orientation, or religion — but anyone can be a victim. Bullying can be repeated over time and have serious emotional consequences.

2'50 : Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online or through digital devices. This can include sending threatening messages, posting humiliating photos, or spreading false information. 

On social media, anonymous users may post lies or hurtful comments that damage a person’s reputation. In the UK, studies show that one in three young people have experienced cyberbullying.

Victims are encouraged to talk to adults, avoid responding to harmful content, and block the people involved. Schools, families, and social networks all have a role to play in protecting individuals and promoting respectful online behaviour.

HERE'S AN INDEX CARD SUMMARY