Social Media and Body Image
As we spend the next few weeks looking at how to cultivate a positive body image, it can be helpful to simply start by looking honestly at some of the factors that can challenge us in this area.
Any honest look at the body image conversation obviously has to include a look at the influence that social media has on how you think about your body, as well as how you strive to care for your body in a healthy and positive way.
We’re going to look at it from both angles, but let’s get through the not-so-great news first.
Ways that social media can challenge positive body image:
Curated perfection
Between AI, filters, and editing, it’s almost impossible to know if the images you’re seeing are accurate! So, viewing some idealized, false version of beauty can create unrealistic standards, from body shape and weight all the way to skin and hair.
Comparison culture
Constant exposure to these “ideal” (although as we’ve established, often downright fake) images may lead individuals to compare themselves unfavorably to others, fostering feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.
Promotion of diet culture or specialized workout plans
Influencers in the body sphere often will promote specific (and often restrictive) diets or specific workouts or workout regimens, promising results if you follow them and their plans. This can normalize and encourage following plans that can range anywhere from unrealistic and unpleasant all the way to dangerous, and lead away from a genuine connection with one’s body.
Promoting an “ideal” body shape or size or ideal body features
Whether it’s growing your butt, shrinking your stomach, or losing weight, influencers easily can make you think there is something wrong with your body that needs to be changed or fixed, when the truth is that what matters is how your body feels and functions.
Echo chambers
The idea of an echo chamber refers to the way that, the more you click or view accounts and videos referring to body size or shape or dieting, the more you’ll see those types of accounts, and the cycle continues of feeling insecure and as though you need to change your body to be more like those you see online!
Ways that social media can support healthy body image
While there are clearly obvious problems with social media where body image is concerned, we love to focus on the positives whenever possible, and there are indeed some positives!
Body positivity and acceptance
Some influencers and activists use their platforms to challenge narrow beauty standards, celebrate diverse body types, and promote self-acceptance.
Support networks and connections
Connecting with others on body-positive accounts can empower your journey to be more positive about your own body, and feel that there are others out there seeking to do the same.
Access to resources and educational content
Many mental health organizations will focus on what to watch for when it comes to disordered eating or anxiety about eating, as well as how to connect with professionals if you feel you need support.
So what’s the bottom line?
Social media isn’t going anywhere, so if you want to continue to use it, be mindful!
Curate your feed so that you follow accounts that promote positive body image and self-care. Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel negative about your body, feel that you need to try some new eating or fitness plan, or cause you to dive into comparison.
Engage mindfully, consciously consuming and taking breaks if you notice your mood or self-esteem begin to take a dip.
And: stay tuned as we spend more time talking about body image in the coming weeks!
We are going to discuss how to develop a kinder way to think about and approach how you eat, move, and even rest and connect!
