Social Media’s Effect on Body Image in Today’s Digital Age

Social media users are editing their bodies and faces to fit unrealistic beauty standards that are trending in today’s digital society. Unfortunately, this has had a negative effect on how women perceive themselves in real life. 

Snapchat and Instagram story lenses are known to enhance one’s appearance. They make user’s nose’s smaller, lips bigger, skin clearer, and define eye shape. These enhancements have the capability of making women more vulnerable to body image issues like body dysmorphia. Apps like FaceTune also have a negative effect on one’s body image. The app is designed to edit waistlines, blemishes, jawlines, and other facial features to the user’s desired look. This allows for women to get accustomed to their edited version of themselves and this is damaging to one’s mental health. 

Social media influencers are avid users of these apps and they post edited pictures on the internet. Some young women look up to these influencers and are discouraged when their natural, unedited bodies don’t compare to what they see on the internet. A study conducted by the Florida House Experience which had one thousand women participate, 87% of women compare their bodies to ones they see on social media platforms. The constant body comparisons can lead to women adopting eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Having a negative body image can lead to other mental issues like depression and anxiety.

Influencers often advertise products like Flat Tummy Tea and appetite suppressants with a picture of their edited bodies. This confuses fans and viewers because they think that these products will have their bodies looking like the influencer that is advertising.

Instagram algorithms are also to blame for putting ads for appetite suppressants on user’s explore pages. In April, Instagram apologized for promoting weight-loss products to users that have eating disorders. 

In order to prevent body image issues in today’s world, women can unfollow influencers that promote detoxing and follow content that promotes body positivity. Users can also tap into accounts that promote healthy lifestyles which often have factual information on ways to maintain a healthy way of life. Limiting the use of Instagram and Snapchat lenses can help with embracing women’s natural faces. Lastly, practicing self love and saying uplifting words about yourself can help with confidence boosting.

Although there are many negative effects that come with social media, one must remember that social media is not real life. It is okay to have imperfections because we are human and we are all beautiful in our own way. The surface does not define who we are as individuals and neither are the pictures that are posted to social media.

About the Author

My name is Leah Drysdale. I’m from Long Island, New York. I’m a senior at St. John’s University and I am a journalism major. I’ve always had a passion for writing and journalism gave me the opportunity to write professionally.