Jenner-ation Y: How Social Image Is Gaining Prevalence In Our Culture

Best known as Generation-Y, the Millennials consume so much digital content on a daily basis through social media feeds, it’s no wonder the constant uploaded photos of the Jenner sisters are causing such an effect.

The sisters are everywhere across the Internet and television.

Making headlines is definitely nothing new for the E! Network family, but the Jenner stars continue to rise as they create a more youthful fan base all their own.

Kendall’s catapulting modeling career keeps her strutting on major label runways. She was declared the face of beauty giant Estée Lauder at only 19 years old.

Kylie, on the other hand, poses a different kind of face, at a mere 17 years old. Kylie sustains more of an edge than her classic, boastfully natural counterpart.

As suspected, her plastic pout and other potential cosmetic enhancements sparked a worldwide trend and reason for contention among the impressionable adolescent ladies.

While their own designer collection may solidify their place in the fashion world, their Millennial domination makes them a full package deal.

Kendall’s growing list of A-list friends and “belle of the ball” persona competes for the lead, as Kylie attempts to gracefully steal the title from big sis Kim as reigning “Queen of Selfies.”

These mini moguls promote contrasting perceptions and distinct aspects of what it means to develop self-confidence as inspiring young women coming into their own.

Many parents feel “role models” like the Jenners focus on behaviors, attitudes and beauty that are not accurate for the real world, or are to be emulated by their own maturing children.

Overt sexuality and beauty is being validated at a young age through their ongoing success and net worth, oftentimes even celebrated by the masses.

What does this mean for Millennials, you ask?

TBD. It may be too early to really tell of the long-term effects stemming from the digital era, but increasing one’s social Klout score is certainly an evolutionary avenue driving saturation, endorsing beauty expectations and establishing the ultimate celebrity-like image of one’s self.

The Millennials are simply reacting based on this overexposure and earning power.

Dr. Philip Miller, widely acclaimed as one of New York City’s premier facial and specialty rhinoplasty surgeons, and Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, leading the forefront in male plastic surgery, have experienced a radical boom in business due to this transition in industry.

With flawless faces like Kendall and Kylie’s exemplifying the youth of America, those daunting awkward stages are being further removed as a right of passage in reality.

Dr. Miller and Dr. Steinbrech noticed a 10 percent increase in consultations based on a person’s desire to achieve a “perfect pic” for their social image and to help brand themselves online.

Are unrealistic filters, apps, lighting and angles to blame for this intense distortion of physical image? Or, is this simply the outcome of drastic social influence?

Social influence on this level is still a relatively new approach for branding and getting ahead. Many are still struggling with the authority of these platforms and their extended reach.

However, social media channels are as relevant as any other reliable source for delivering information to the public, and the visual is the stamp of appeal.

For the Kardashian and Jenner women, their empire thrives off this influence.

From substantial, high-end and elite cover shoots, to the paparazzi-infused tabloids, Kendall and Kylie are not only targets for criticism, but also redefining social media branding success for Millennials.

With both positive feedback and negative backlash, the Internet allows opportunity to build up and knock down.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Bart Rossi explored the various components exploding Kendall and Kyle’s fame and fortune:

"These young ladies may be no doubt physically attractive, but they need to be constantly defending their intelligence and/or talent. "In terms of style, many individuals may seek to recreate but this is an unforgeable battle as their glamourized lifestyle, showcased regularly, does not reflect what the current Millennial goes through and has to overcome for transitioning into a responsible, respected adult in today’s society. "However, this is all Kendall and Kylie know in order to acquire a living. The family is over the top in stirring up attention (often for themselves). "As someone who examines the ideas behind a 'winning personality,' my recommendation to the Millennials is there are much better representations out there to admire. Their only identifiers revolve around the outer layers and not specific character traits."

As Generation-Y slowly gravitates toward becoming “Jenner-ation-Y,” we ask our current Millennials to analyze their digital accounts.

Social image is not going away. In fact, it is becoming a more prevalent part of culture. Branding, marketing, reputation management, etc., are all important aspects to keep monitored.

And, although the digital realm is at your disposal, whether it be one click or double tap away, use it wisely.

Your social image needs to be managed on a personal and business level to skyrocket yourself to new bounds, while maintaining integrity.