PremiumJane PhareSenior Journalist·NZ Herald·27 Jun, 2026 09:00 PM12 mins to readYoung people are feeling the pressure to capture a flawless look to share online and achieve Insta-perfection. Photo / Getty Images
Whether it’s the hair-and-makeup drama of the school ball, or capturing a flawless look to share online, social media is a relentless force driving young people to spend time, money and effort to achieve Insta-perfection. As the Herald explores the impact of social media on young people in a new
Under the Influence, Jane Phare looks at the unrealistic and often unattainable images compelling Gen Z, and soon Gen Alpha, to want to look like movie stars.
