This is Part 2 of a 3-part discussion on the various aspects social media has impact on body image. You can read Part 1 and Part 3 here.

Additional content currently trending on the internet that can also lead to body image include and self dissatisfaction include:

• ‘What I Eat in a Day videos’ – Although these can be seen as a source of meal prep inspiration, it’s often how the message is delivered that can be harmful. Often, the video starts with someone stating how they achieved X goal (ie. number of pounds lost, more muscular build/less body fat) or simply showing their body physique. This starts the trend of body comparison. Rarely do these videos show or talk about the larger picture of the many factors that affect health (ie. genetics, food access/security, environment); many of which are beyond our direct control. Yet these videos make it extremely easy to still fall into the comparison trap.

• “That Girl” trend – These videos are more prevalent on TikTok and although they may not be seen as wellness advice at first, the impression is that this curated lifestyle seen in these videos suggest that everyone should do this because “that girl” has her life together. The trend may involve waking up very early, drinking some ginger detox tea, going to an extensive workout, followed by a low carb lunch and a green juice dinner. What these videos fail to show is that these 30 second clips are just that: 30 seconds of someone’s life, likely the best parts and not their whole life. Not all users promote their 30-second lifestyle with an unsustainable routine, but users should caution and gauge what the influencer’s intent is and how it affects their own perception of themselves and their body image.

  
  
  

• #Fitspiration posts - Ever thought these posts were just meant gather exercise ideas? Even though creators of such media may not have malicious intent when it comes to sharing such content, often the reality is quite different and the message is centred around weight loss. Constantly showing a narrow definition of health, featuring lean, toned body types achieved by extensive diet and exercise, only promotes diet culture , poor body image and the message that these behaviours are necessary to achieve the ‘perfect’ body ideal. This can open up a can of worms which lead to a larger issue of bigorexia, where individuals are obsessed with obtaining a certain physique, often perpetuated by unsolicited online advice.

• In general, anyone who offers unsolicited weight loss advice, guaranteed results of any kind with a diet plan, unsustainable exercise routines, fad diets, ‘summer body’ trends or total exclusion of foods/food groups (carbs tends to get the blame) is usually a red flag that can promote poor body image.

Does social media only affect perception of body image in women?

Even though social media is perceived to target women, in reality it affects all genders. Women often bear the negative comments and scrutiny; however, men are not immune to these expressions either and can have poor body image as well. Popular celebrities such as Ed Sheeran and Zac Efron have shared their experiences with societal pressures on male physiques. For example, society may associate a man’s body build with dominance.  A man who is tall and muscular could be seen as more assertive and masculine while shorter, less muscular men are seen as less so. This type of perception when outwardly expressed by society as desirable leads to feelings of pressure by men and then body dissatisfaction as a result (6).  This can cause them to engage in extreme diets, extensive body building activities or take excess sport supplements in order to develop a physique that is more socially accepted. However, as men tend to have high regard for their masculinity, men are often discouraged to vocally share their struggles around body image (6). This could be due to wanting to avoid being viewed as too feminine or ‘less of a man’, or having their issue labeled as ‘a women’s issue’. As a result, men tend to be less reluctant to share such issues, perhaps to show that they are both physically and emotionally strong.

Reflection

• Have you come across or seen the content mentioned above? If so, how did you come across it?

  • What about it captivated your attention?

• How did it make you feel after seeing it or watching it?

• Did you notice any behavior changes in yourself after seeing the content?

• Is it a behavior you would like to keep or change?

Stay tuned to Part 3 of this discussion, where we examine how social media also plays an important role in the rise of body-liberation and positivity movements and how we can foster a better relationship with our bodies.

Blog written by Sharon Sun, RD

Reviewed and edited by Abby Hsiao, RD

Disclaimer: the information provided is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose or treat a medical disease. It is strictly for informational purposes. Consult with your medical provider such as a dietitian before implementing any dietary changes, the information provided does not replace medical advice provided by your healthcare provider.

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References

1.  "National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) (n.d.)." National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), edited by Douglas Bunnell, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/

2. Alfonso-Fuertes, I., Alvarez-Mon, M. A., Del Hoyo, R. S., Ortega, M. A., Alvarez-Mon, M., & Molina-Ruiz, R. M. (2023). Time Spent on Instagram and Body Image, Self-esteem, and Physical Comparison Among Young Adults in Spain: Observational Study. JMIR Formative Research, 7(1), e42207.

3. (8)  Boers, E., Afzali, M. H., Newton, N., & Conrod, P. (2019). Association of screen time and depression in adolescence. JAMA pediatrics, 173(9), 853-859.

4. (3) What Students Are Saying About How Social Media Affects Their Body Image (2022, March). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-how-social-media-affects-their-body-image.html

5. Jubilee (2024). How Does Body Image Affect These 100 Women [Online video].https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKadS1nDcR0

6. Montgomery Sklar, E. (2017). Body image, weight, and self-concept in men. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 11(3), 252-258.

7. Dove US (2023). Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film | Dove Self-Esteem Project.  [Online video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ngESNoacxM

8. Dove US (2021). Dove | Reverse Selfie |Have #TheSelfietalk  [Online video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ngESNoacxM

9. Hupp, S., & Jewell, J. D. (Eds.). (2020). The encyclopedia of child and adolescent development. Wiley-Blackwell.

10. Pedalino, F., & Camerini, A. L. (2022). Instagram use and body dissatisfaction: the mediating role of upward social comparison with peers and influencers among young females. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3), 1543.

11. Thomas, E. V., & Warren-Findlow, J. (2020). Body image, self-esteem, and behavioral risk for chronic disease among college students: Additional evidence for integrated prevention. Journal of American College Health, 68(6), 658-665.