The Body Image Social Media Link
Posted on: November 4th, 2014
Social media has become entrenched in cultures around the world because it has real value. It provides connections to others, and as social beings this is something we thrive on. But as always, new technologies cut both ways.
Recent studies have shown that there’s a clear correlation between time spent on social media and body image. Social media can have a negative impact on body image – it creates and reinforces poor body image.
When we’re on social media we go into a comparative mode. We log on to an account and see friends or celebrities on tropical vacations, in their bathing suits, looking fabulous, and most of us reflexively will examine these images and compare. “She has no cellulite, unlike me,” we’ll think. Or “Look at the ripples in his six pack, compared to my soft belly” – yes, men are vulnerable to these comparisons too. This kind of thinking inevitably takes a toll on one’s body image.
In a survey conducted by Glamour Magazine in 1984 and again in 2014, women 18-40 were asked about body image. The results were startling. In 1984, 41% reported “feeling unhappy with their bodies” compared with 54% today. That’s a 32% increase. This increase is largely attributed to social media use, i.e. looking at photos on sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
It’s important to realize that having poor body image can have a serious impact on one’s well being. Glamour’s survey found:
- Poor body image can make women feel bad about who they are
- 30% of women said it kept them from having sex
- 27% said it stopped them from meeting new people
- 17% reported it stopped them from dating
- 33% of men, surveyed by Glamour for the first time this year, were dissatisfied with their bodies
The study also expanded to women who feel great about their bodies. Common among these women were a set of behaviors that helped maintain their positive body image, including frequent exercise which gave them an appreciation for what the body can do instead of focusing on how it looks. Also in keeping with the research findings, these women limited time spent on social media.
If you or a loved one is suffering from poor body image, Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy can provide treatment that brings you relief. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at info@maureenkritzerlange.com or (973) 313-1691.
Leave a Reply