Social media has been an influential force shaping our world, with its imprint stretching across multi-facets of lifestyle and societal interaction. In 2023, 4.48 billion people use social media worldwide.

However, once hailed as the harbinger of global connectivity, this realm has been increasingly associated with a darker side - body shaming. We take a deeper look at how social media has influenced body image and mental health, particularly among young women and men, and how self-love and self-care can be promoted in the digital age.

Social Media and Body Shaming: The Unfortunate Link

In a world dominated by technology and virtual interactions, social media has become an arena where beauty standards are not only defined but often rigidly enforced. This heightened visibility and constant surveillance lead to body shaming, an insidious practice that involves criticising oneself or others based on physical attributes. The victims are young women and men in their formative years, making this a crucial issue that needs immediate attention.

The Impact on Body Positivity

Body shaming on social media platforms can severely impede the journey towards body positivity. This concept encourages acceptance and appreciation of all body types, promoting the belief that there is no ‘ideal’ body shape or size. However, the constant exposure to 'picture-perfect' images and derogatory comments can erode the essence of body positivity, making individuals feel inadequate, less confident, and even loathsome towards their bodies.

According to a study, 74% of girls say their peers use social media to make themselves look "cooler" than they are, which often includes editing photos to alter their appearance.

Effect on Mental Health

The psychological effects of body shaming and the consequent decline in body positivity are profound. According to a 2016 study published in the journal "Body Image," there is a consistent relationship between social media use and body dissatisfaction, eating disorder, depression, anxiety, low-esteem symptoms, and thoughts of suicide in both genders. The immediate access to images of perceived perfection can lead to unrealistic expectations and chronic dissatisfaction, which can snowball into severe mental health problems.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that the fashion industry's emphasis on thinness, highly prevalent and praised on social media, contributes to body dissatisfaction in up to 70% of women.

A 2017 survey by the Dove Self-Esteem Project revealed that more than half of all women (54%) on social media say they are exposed to negative body language and comments.

Fostering Self-Love in the Age of Technology

Amidst the culture of body shaming and the immense pressure to conform to societal standards, fostering self-love becomes all the more critical. Self-love involves appreciating oneself without any condition or judgment. It's about recognising our inherent worth beyond physical attributes.

In the context of social media, it's about reminding ourselves that the images we see are often carefully curated and edited versions of reality and do not define beauty or worth. Self-love, in this realm, translates into not comparing ourselves with others and taking social media content with a grain of salt.

Embracing Self-Care as a Counter-Narrative

While the dialogue around body shaming on social media is critical, it's equally essential to highlight the importance of self-care. Self-care is not just about physical wellness but also mental and emotional well-being.

Limiting screen time, unfollowing accounts that trigger negative thoughts, and using technology for positive interactions are some ways to practice self-care. Engage in activities that bring joy, nurture positivity, and boost self-esteem, such as reading, yoga, meditation, or simply spending time in nature.

A Collective Responsibility

Body shaming on social media is a systemic issue, not an individual failing. Therefore, the responsibility to combat it lies not only with young men and women but also with influencers, platforms, and society.

Promoting diversity, strengthening regulations against body shaming, and educating users on the harmful effects of social media are key to fostering a positive digital space. Shifting the focus from body shaming to body positivity, self-criticism to self-love, and digital pressure to digital self-care helps create a more inclusive and supportive online environment.

Because everybody is a good body.