You would be shocked to know that some aspects of beauty that are highly regarded today would have been shunned in times past. For instance – the Renaissance was an era where overweight women were celebrated over lean ones.
Are we trying to suggest that one is better than the other? No, but this is just one example of ever-evolving beauty standards. Something that is the epitome of beauty today could as quickly fade into the background tomorrow.
Hence, the quest for societal or conventional beauty standards has always been an elusive one. Research sadly shows that girls as young as the 5th grade feel pressured to look a certain way. It can be so overwhelming at times that they feel like they might explode. All attempts to secure beauty other than simply living a healthier lifestyle are vanity and unrealistic.
This pressure has given birth to body image issues like dysmorphia. Social media has only propelled this problem further. In this article, we will discover the link between body dysmorphia and social media.
What is Body Dysmorphia and Its Symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, body dysmorphia is a condition affecting one’s mind regarding how they perceive their body. The individual with this mental health condition cannot seem to stop thinking about their body’s perceived defects.
They may experience feelings of intense shame and embarrassment over ‘flaws’ that are so minor that others cannot even notice. Let’s look at some of the common symptoms of this condition.
- Avoiding certain social situations to stop being anxious and self-conscious
- Constantly checking oneself in the mirror
- Taking part in serious personal grooming sessions, sometimes continuing for hours in a day
- Seeking out several cosmetic procedures, even those that may be dangerous and ambiguous
- Being stuck in a pattern of liking and hating one’s body
- Frequently asking others for reassurance about one’s appearance
- Regularly comparing one’s appearance to others, mostly in a negative way
- Having perfectionist tendencies
Usually, those suffering from body dysmorphia are inconsolable. They may never believe others’ compliments no matter how genuine and heartfelt they are.
What Do the Stats Reveal?
In today’s day and age, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has become a common psychological condition in the US. It has been estimated that around 2.4 million individuals across the US suffer from BDD.
Among these numbers, the most affected group is that of teenagers. It is six times as likely to affect girls than boys. Two in every 100 teens are found to have this disorder. This seems to be consistent with the fact that society rigorously promotes unrealistic standards of beauty for the fairer sex.
How Does Social Media Contribute to the Problem?
The issue of body dysmorphia is a pressing one by itself. Social media with its many filters and easily accessible privacy of others’ lives has only worsened the issue. Even an adult is not entirely immune to the various platforms’ mind games, let alone poor teens.
We do know that the ill effects are certain because parents of affected teens have dragged app developers to court. Two of the most criticized ones in this regard are Instagram and Facebook. The Instagram or Facebook lawsuit alleges that these platforms are exacerbating users’ body image issues.
So, let’s look at the different ways in which social media contributes to BDD in detail.
Image Alteration
These platforms allow their users to edit photos using special effects and filters. These range from smoothening out one’s skin to slimming the waist. According to TorHoerman Law, this breeds unrealistic beauty standards and fosters low self-esteem.
Teens are accustomed to comparing their real faces and bodies to digitally altered versions. It is natural to become dissatisfied with one’s features.
Normalization of Beauty Standards
The beauty and film industry has gradually degenerated in terms of the beauty standards they promote. Other forms of media have normalized these for decades. Social media platforms have further normalized unrealistic beauty standards.
One simply needs to scroll a bit before airbrushed faces, plastic bodies, and fake hair dominate the feed. This affects how teens look at their appearance. They may feel inadequate simply because they’re trying to become someone they’re not.
Constant Feedback
With social media, any validation our teens seek in any area is only an upload away. If they feel unsure about their appearance, a teenager may simply drop a recent photo to constantly check for likes and comments.
This undoubtedly leads to a sad cycle of comparing one’s body with others. They may get the validation they want or not. In any case, the affirmation’s satisfaction only lasts a short while before the urge to upload another photo kicks in.
Ways to Combat Social Media Dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia is a common yet alarming problem our teens suffer from. How can parents, caregivers, or even teachers help them? Let’s look at some effective ways to combat the issue.
- Learn thoroughly about the common symptoms so you can identify the problem at its earliest.
- Teach teens how real beauty comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Help them see the uniqueness of real beauty as opposed to the ugliness of mass-produced unrealistic beauty.
- Seek professional support in the form of therapy and counseling if the teen appears to be inconsolable.
- Let them know the tragic stories of those who tried to alter their body but only ended up with more complex health issues.
- Show them how beauty standards have evolved through the ages. Knowing the transient nature of these standards should encourage them to find beauty in themselves.
On a parting note, we would like to reiterate the importance of nipping this problem in its bud. Parents must not toy with the idea of seeking professional help if needed because of how serious the condition is. 80% of adults with this condition have had thoughts of self-harm and 44% have even attempted it.
If a teen receives proper support at the right time, they can overcome this condition. Neglecting the matter benefits nobody.