Navigating Body Image In The Digital Age
If you find yourself feeling a little bummed after scrolling online, you aren’t alone. In today’s digital age, social media plays a serious role in shaping how people see themselves and the world around them. Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok provide opportunities for creative expression and social connection. They also can promote unrealistic beauty standards and expectations for society. The consistent stream of curated content and the look into other’s “perfect” lives can leave users feeling anxious, self-conscious, and disconnected from reality. It’s unsurprising that the pressures of social media for many (teens AND adults) contribute to mental health challenges.
Social Media’s Role in Creating Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of content that suggest unrealistic lifestyles and body types. Images posted on social media are often edited, filtered, and photoshopped; creating unrealistic (and unattainable) beauty standards. This can have lasting effects on users, contributing to the problem of “comparison culture”. Unfortunately, we tend to compare our own percieved weaknesses with the internet’s cultivated “best.” This tends to lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
The Impacts on Body Image & Mental Health
Social media allows users to compare their lives to the lives of millions of other users. Studies on social media use have found that social media has been linked to depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and an increase in body image concerns (Yale, 2024).
Have you ever experienced FOMO (aka the fear of missing out)? Chances are, you likely have felt FOMO a time or two in your life. Social media is a place where people post their highlight reels of life; posting about events, friend hangouts, trips, and more. Exposure to others’ highlight reels can contribute to feelings of FOMO, which exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Additionally, there can be a sense of validation through their social media accounts. Many individuals are concerned about how many follows, likes, and comments they receive on social media. The numbers game of social media can deeply impact self-worth and well-being.
Therapy’s Role in Addressing Social Media-Related Mental Health Challenges
Like in a good recipe, social media should be considered a spice to life, not the main ingredient. Be intentional with what you take in online. And take social media breaks regularly. If you find that you have an unhealthy relationship with your online world, getting support may be helpful. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to help identify and challenge negative thinking patterns. Therapists allow clients space to process their inner feelings about themselves, others, social media pressures, and more. By challenging inner negative thoughts and perspectives, clients can develop healthier self-perceptions. Therapy can also help individuals identify and nurture supportive relationships online and offline, which can contribute to improved self-esteem, meaningful connections, and reduced need for digital validation.
