social media & body image

SOCIAL MEDIA & BODY IMAGE - GABRIELLE BARTOLI

Social Media seems to be shaping our concept of beauty nowadays. It can influence how we look at ourselves both positively and negatively, and it is important to understand these effects in order to limit their impact on our mental health.
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Positive Effects of Social Media on Body Image
Health and wellness, fitness, and plant-based food profiles can be inspirational for followers to maintain a healthy and positive outlook on their body image. An organization supporting people with eating disorders claimed that profiles promoting body positivity have created a space for understanding and inclusivity for all body types

Such spaces on social media have also created a sense of community and support. All this is of benefit for everyone on social media and also for people actively struggling with eating disorders. 
There is however a downside to these body positivity profiles too, since there is a great focus solely on physical appearance. In fact, research has found that people following a majority of body positivity profiles tend to objectify themselves and focus specifically on the way they look; not giving much importance to their personality and skills.

Negative Effects of Social Media on Body Image
The use of social media may, on the other hand, bring about body image concerns and negative perceptions about the way one looks. This can lead to eating disorders and/or other mental health issues being triggered or worsen. 
Research has found that people tend to compare their appearances negatively with people on social media. This is especially the case with younger people, who are still exploring their sense of self. This phenomenon is affecting both males and females nowadays. It has been found that people who followed a majority of fitness inspirational profiles were less compassionate to themselves when compared to people who followed a majority of inspirational quotes and mantra profiles. 
Research has also found that many experience anxiety and lack of confidence towards posting pictures of themselves, even if they are edited. This is lessened as one starts to experience a sense of reassurance from likes and comments. One might become caught up in this spiral of needing such reassurance to lessen the feeling of a low sense of self. 

What can you do to take care of your mental health with regards to social media?

1. Limit the amount of time on social media and instead engage in activities that will make you feel better mentally and physically. 
2. Use social media with great caution and awareness. One must be very aware and needs to always keep in mind that pictures are usually highly edited and only the best parts of one’s life are posted online.
3. Be aware of who and what you are following. Go through your social media and unfollow any accounts that make you feel self-conscious or anxious – you do not need them in your life! Instead fill your feed with profiles that empower you and that make you feel good (such as inspirational quotes, profiles of nature or animals etc.).
4. Follow accounts that promote a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle and perception.
5. Find your skills and talents and pursue them – the way you look is not all that defines you!