Body Representation on Social Media

Social Media is not reality.

Many of the images depicted on social media is a false-representation of "natural" bodies. There is a culture of seeking validation on platforms like Instagram, but as images are altered, it sends a negative message of an unrealistic thin body standard.

Comparison and Body Image

The representation of mostly slim bodies on social media impacts how women perceive their own body image. Based on the article, “The Link Between Social Media and Body Image” suggests that “87% of women… compare their bodies to images they consume” (King University). Similarly, an article from Insider, states that “nearly two-thirds of Americans edit their photos before posting” (Heger). Women are comparing themselves to versions of unrealistic photos that were most likely altered. Social media presents photos in a misleading way since it is not representative of how they look in real life.

#THINSPO

When girls compare themselves to these images it often leads to a despondent self-perception. For example, “The Dark Side of Social Media”, remarks that the promotion of weight-loss supplements using the hashtag “thinspo” emphasizes that a thin body is needed to be accepted since it has “become the standard by which we measure everything else” (Obiora). Throughout the media, there is pressure on a skinny body image. The influencers who recommend these weight-loss products promote the idea that this is how they achieved their body, but it is a false depiction because they are not accounting for other factors, including how their looks may have been edited. A product alone, such as a weight loss tea is not what made the influencer look the way she is. Social media is encouraging unhealthy lifestyle habits for women to become thinner and have a perfect body to feel validated, but it is triggering a dangerous message.