Body Image: How Social Media Affects Our Perception
We all know how social media has become a huge part of our lives. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram or catching up on TikTok trends, it’s hard to avoid. But let’s be real—along with all the fun and connection, social media can also mess with how we see ourselves, especially when it comes to body image.
The Perfect Illusion
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your feed and suddenly feeling like everyone else has it all together? Perfect bodies, glowing skin, looking effortlessly flawless? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing—what we see on social media is often far from reality. Most of those photos are filtered, edited, and carefully curated. It’s like everyone’s showing off their highlight reel, and we’re comparing it to our behind-the-scenes.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “Why don’t I look like that?” But remember, most of what we see online isn’t real. It’s important to keep that in mind when you start comparing yourself to others.
The Impact on Mental Health
All this comparison can really take a toll on how we feel about ourselves. Studies have shown that spending too much time on social media can actually make us feel worse about our bodies. We start picking ourselves apart, wishing we could look more like the people we see online. And that can lead to all sorts of negative feelings—anxiety, low self-esteem, even disordered eating.
It’s important to remember that your worth isn’t tied to how you look. You are so much more than your appearance, and chasing after some unrealistic standard can distract you from what really matters—your health and happiness.
Shifting the Focus
So, how do we deal with this? How can we enjoy social media without letting it mess with our heads? It starts with changing the way we think about our bodies. Instead of focusing on how you look, try focusing on how you *feel* and what your body can do for you.
Here are a few tips that might help:
Curate Your Feed: Take a look at the accounts you follow. If anyone’s posts make you feel bad about yourself, it might be time to hit that unfollow button. Instead, follow people who lift you up, inspire you, and promote positivity.
Be Critical of What You See: Keep in mind that most of what you see online isn’t the whole truth. Filters, angles, and even Photoshop can make someone look completely different than they do in real life. Don’t compare yourself to something that isn’t real.
Celebrate What Your Body Can Do: Your body is so much more than how it looks. Focus on what it can do—whether it’s lifting weights, running, dancing, or just getting through a tough day. Celebrate those wins!
Limit Your Screen Time: It’s easy to get sucked into endless scrolling, but too much social media can be harmful. Set some boundaries for yourself and take breaks when you need them. I even have it off my phone and only access it on my computer.
Be Kind to Yourself: We’re all going to have days where we don’t feel our best. That’s normal. The key is to treat yourself with kindness and compassion, just like you would with a friend.
Social media isn’t going anywhere, and there’s a lot of good that comes with it. But it’s important to be mindful of how it affects you, especially when it comes to body image. By being intentional about who you follow and how much time you spend online, you can protect your mental health and build a more positive relationship with your body.
At the end of the day, remember this—you’re more than just a body. You’re a whole person, with so much to offer. Embrace who you are, inside and out, and focus on being the healthiest, happiest version of yourself.
Written by: Maggie Shaffer, Black Iron Nutrition Coach