Social Media Fuels $2,500 Lookism Premium Across Professions
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 11
Social Media Fuels $2,500 Lookism Premium Across Professions
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 11
Summary
Workers from law, construction, media and gig jobs say social media and constant on-camera exposure are pushing them to spend more time and money on appearance to win work and credibility.
A 15-year survey found attractive MBA candidates were more likely to land better jobs, with an “attractiveness premium” worth more than $2,500 in salary; a 2018 report called attractiveness an enduring labor-market advantage.
That pressure now reaches beyond office dress codes into cosmetic upkeep: one 43-year-old lawyer said she spends four figures a month on Botox, filler and styling to support TV appearances and her online brand.
Age adds another layer—15% of people over 45 said last year they would consider cosmetic surgery to advance at work, rising to 20% for Botox and fillers.
The shift suggests remote work and casual office culture did not ease appearance demands; they widened them as personal branding and visual platforms became part of more jobs.