Many factors shape our body image, so we can't say that social media alone is the cause and instigator of all of our body image problems.
But it undoubtedly has an impact.
While traditional media like TV shows, movies, and magazines have long played a role in setting beauty standards, the rise of social media has amplified these pressures. Recent research highlights the growing need to scrutinize how social media platforms shape our perceptions of gender, appearance norms, and ultimately, our own bodies.
For as long as we can remember, societal standards have linked beauty to success, perpetuating the idea that conventional attractiveness equates to happiness and confidence. However, these beauty ideals have often been unrealistic. This issue is not new, but the advent of social media has taken the distortion of beauty standards to another level.
The pervasive use of image and video manipulation has turned these ideals from merely unrealistic to utterly unattainable.
On social media, we're constantly bombarded with images of flawless bodies and faces that often defy the boundaries of reality. Algorithms further exacerbate this by favouring content that showcases thinner bodies for women and muscular, lean physiques for men.
This continuous exposure to such content can skew our perception of what is normal and desirable, making us feel inadequate in comparison.
It’s not just the content we consume that affects us—what we choose to post online plays a significant role as well. The pressure to present ourselves in a certain way can lead to the use of appearance-altering tools, which, in turn, can distort our self-perception. This increased focus on appearance can drive us to become overly preoccupied with our bodies, leading to self-objectification and a negative impact on both our body image and self-esteem.
It’s no surprise that many of us end up feeling dissatisfied with our bodies, frequently comparing ourselves to others online and becoming disheartened by how far we perceive ourselves to be from the "ideal."
How to Protect Your Body Image
So, how can we navigate these pressures and develop a healthier relationship with social media? Here are a few strategies:
Develop a Critical Eye
Start by becoming more aware of how bodies are depicted online. Recognize that much of what you see is highly curated and often unrealistic. This awareness can help you approach social media more critically, reducing the urge to compare yourself to others and lowering your consumption of content that fuels body image concerns.
Curate Your Feed
Social media algorithms tend to show us more of what we engage with, so if you're frequently exposed to content about dieting, "fitspiration," or certain body types, it's time to take control. Unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings about your body, and instead, follow those that promote diverse body types, body positivity, and self-acceptance.
Set Screen Time Limits
By setting boundaries on your social media use, you can reduce the likelihood of falling into the comparison trap. Limiting your screen time can also help you strike a healthier balance between your online life and the real world.
Practice Self-Compassion
Remember that comparing yourself to others is a normal human tendency, but it doesn’t have to dictate how you feel about yourself. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging these feelings and working to shift your focus towards appreciating your unique qualities.
Functionality Appreciation
Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, allowing you to appreciate your body for what it can do, rather than how it looks.
Challenge Harmful Stereotypes
Consider using social media to counteract unrealistic standards by posting authentic, unfiltered content. By presenting a more realistic view of yourself and your life, you can contribute to a culture that values honesty and diversity, encouraging others to do the same.
Seek Support
You’re not alone in feeling the pressures that social media can impose. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends or family members can help you alleviate feelings of shame and foster a sense of solidarity. Discussing the challenges you face with body image content on social media can be a powerful step toward healing.
By taking intentional steps to manage our social media use, practice self-compassion, and seek support, we can cultivate a healthier body image and develop a more positive relationship with social media.
If you'd like further support and feel ready to start your coaching journey, you can book a discovery call here.
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