Fitness influencer Summer Vennewitz, 25, has faced harsh online criticism for her natural appearance, with many commenters claiming she looks much older than her age. Known for her candid and unfiltered content on TikTok, the fitness influencer posted a video highlighting her face without any cosmetic enhancements like Botox or fillers. The video, intended to promote body positivity and the acceptance of natural aging, quickly went viral, amassing nearly 8 million views.
In the video, Summer captioned, “Just thought maybe someone needed to see this today,” showcasing her appearance as a woman who has not undergone any cosmetic procedures. Despite her positive message, the response was mixed. Numerous commenters shamed her for her appearance, suggesting she looked “at least 20 years older” and urging her to start using sunscreen and other anti-aging products. Comments like “You look 45” and “I’m 36 and I don’t look like this” flooded the video, reflecting a broader societal obsession with youthful looks.
However, not all reactions were negative. Many users praised Summer for her authenticity and bravery in showing her true self. Supporters called out the harsh critics, emphasizing the importance of embracing natural beauty and the reality of aging. One commenter wrote, “This girl is trying to do a nice thing and show people that you don’t have to be ashamed of aging,” while another highlighted the unnecessary cruelty of the negative comments.
Psychologist Carly Dober, speaking to news.com.au, provided insights into why Summer’s video received such polarized reactions. Dober explained that the prevalence of editing apps, filters, and anti-aging treatments has distorted public perception of what natural aging looks like. This skewed perception, she noted, has made it uncommon to see unaltered images of people aging naturally on social media.
Dober pointed out that the beauty industry’s emphasis on wrinkle reduction and anti-aging treatments has conditioned people to view natural aging negatively. She stressed that seeing wrinkles and other signs of aging should be expected and normalized. “It’s actually expected for people to have wrinkles when they move their faces, and for older people to have more of these wrinkles,” she said.
Highlighting the societal taboo around aging, especially for women, Dober called for a shift in how aging is perceived and presented. She urged people to embrace diverse examples of aging and to be mindful of the impact their comments can have on individuals sharing their unfiltered experiences.
Summer’s video has sparked a broader conversation about beauty standards and the acceptance of natural aging, challenging the often unrealistic portrayals of youthfulness perpetuated by social media and the beauty industry. As more fitness influencers and individuals on platforms like TikTok share their unfiltered selves, the dialogue around how to look younger naturally and authentically may continue to evolve, encouraging a more accepting and realistic view of aging.
