We often expect body image issues to crop up during major life changes, such as adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum, mid-life, and menopause. However, influences from social media can also trigger body image issues in some people.

Social media inundates society every day with copious messages about how to view our bodies. More than two billion images are shared on Facebook every day, while Snapchat has close to four billion images posted daily. Influencers offer tips on getting the perfect legs, hips, arms, and abs.

While the media bombards us with thousands of images of society’s ideal body, we miss that they were photoshopped, altered, and filtered before put before the public’s eye. We watch tutorials about how to make ourselves more attractive. Following tips and tricks, we are left craving a certain kind of look or body shape.

This deluge of messages leaves us unsatisfied with ourselves. Whether obsessing over the pictures or the likes and comments of our peers, we lose track of what is good and true about ourselves. We struggle to appreciate what is actually beautiful about ourselves and our lives.

Though previous generations experienced a similar phenomenon through magazines, television, and advertisements, social media seems to have escalated the impact. Countless people develop body image issues that stem from comparison of self with the versions they see in media.

In the past our exposure to this messaging was limited to models, actors, and actresses who were paid. It is now worsened by the fact that anyone can post their image, without significant cost, adding to the number of exposures we experience. Likewise, everyone has access to filters and photo editing programs to change their appearance to an unreal version of themselves.

How does that make us feel when we remove the filter and take an unedited selfie?

How to overcome social media influences on body image issues

Before you can counter the negative influences of social media on body image issues, you need to learn how to identify these influences.

While on a social media profile, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does this group, organization, or person embrace a positive body image?
  • Does this group, organization, or person put down people who do not fit into a certain category?
  • Is this content real or heavily edited and filtered?
  • Am I comparing myself to the images I see?
  • How do I feel after viewing this social media profile?

Most of the time, you can identify the social media profiles and communities that make you feel bad about your own body.

The good news is that you can limit impact by changing a few patterns of behavior. Try the following tips to help you resist negative messaging about body image.

Limit Your Time

We mindlessly turn to social media while waiting at doctor’s appointments, grocery lines, and any other place where we need a “break.” Some apps will show you how much time you spend on the platform. Check your time and limit how often you turn to social media.

Block, Unfollow, or Unfriend

Even if the social media profile is of an A-Lister, you can unfollow it if it leaves you feeling bad about yourself. Never be afraid to unfriend or block profiles from your newsfeed if they are causing you stress.

Consider the Source

Keep in mind that influencers show the best of their lives or the sponsored products they are paid to advertise. You are not seeing the struggle or the low points. Camera angles, editing, and filters alter reality when it comes to body image.

Find Your People

Just as there are billions of images on social media posted daily, there are thousands if not millions, of groups online. Try to find a community where they promote positive body image and health over cookie-cutter appearances. Likewise spend face-to-face time with human beings that love you for who you are, just the way you are.

Finding help

If you struggle with body image issues or know someone who does, help is available. A counselor can help untangle negative messages you have come to believe about yourself. Certainly, if you are displaying symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, depression, or other conditions, please reach out!

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with a mental health counselor who can arm you with psychotherapy techniques to combat body image issues.

Photos:
“Social Media”, Courtesy of Tim Mossholder, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Joggers”, Courtesy of Getty Images, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License

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