The impact of social media on beauty standards and body image has been a topic of growing concern in the United States and around the world.
With the rise of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, beauty influencers and content creators have become some of the most influential voices in the industry, shaping trends, promoting products and setting beauty standards that can have a profound impact on how people feel about their bodies and their appearance.
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The Pressure to Conform to Beauty Standards
Social media platforms have created an environment in which beauty standards are constantly evolving and reinforced by the influencers who set them.
For example, Kim Kardashian, who has over 200 million followers on Instagram, has been credited with popularizing the “contouring” makeup technique, which involves using darker and lighter shades of makeup to create the illusion of sharper cheekbones and a slimmer face.
This trend has been adopted by countless other beauty influencers, creating a beauty ideal that emphasizes a sculpted, angular look.
However, these standards are often unattainable for the average person, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, more than half of teenage girls in the US feel pressure to be thin, and 75% report feeling judged based on their appearance.
Social media can exacerbate these pressures, as users are bombarded with images of “perfect” bodies and faces that have been heavily edited and filtered to meet unrealistic beauty standards.
Body Positivity and the Fight Against Unrealistic Standards
In response to these pressures, a growing movement of body positivity influencers and activists has emerged, pushing back against the unrealistic beauty standards promoted by traditional media and social media alike. These influencers advocate for self-acceptance and self-love, encouraging their followers to embrace their bodies and reject the notion that they need to conform to a narrow beauty ideal.
One example of a body positivity influencer is Megan Jayne Crabbe, who has over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and uses her platform to promote body acceptance and challenge the notion that there is a “right” way to look. Crabbe shares images of herself in various poses and outfits, highlighting the diversity of body shapes and sizes that exist in the world. She also speaks out against harmful diet culture and encourages her followers to prioritize their mental and physical health over their appearance.
The Role of Brands in Promoting Positive Body Image
As the conversation around body image continues to evolve, some brands have started to take notice and adjust their messaging accordingly.
For example, the fashion brand Aerie, owned by American Eagle Outfitters, launched a “real” campaign in 2014 featuring unretouched images of models with diverse body types. The campaign was a hit with consumers, and Aerie’s sales grew by 20% in the year following its launch.
Other brands have also taken steps to promote positive body image, including Dove, which launched its “Real Beauty” campaign in 2004, featuring women of all ages, shapes, and sizes in its advertising. The campaign was widely praised for challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting a more inclusive vision of beauty.
Conclusion
The impact of social media on beauty standards and body image is a complex and ongoing issue in the United States and around the world. While social media has the potential to create unrealistic beauty standards and put pressure on individuals to conform, it also provides a platform for body positivity influencers and brands to promote a more inclusive vision of beauty.
As the conversation around body image continues to evolve, it is important for individuals and brands alike to consider the impact of their words and actions on the way people view themselves and their bodies.
