Depression Behind Likes: Fallout from Unrealistic Beauty

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we communicate, perceive the world, and even see ourselves. While it offers a platform for self-expression and connection, it also plays a significant role in fostering unrealistic beauty standards and a toxic comparison culture. The constant exposure to idealized images can have profound effects on mental health, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and even depression. Understanding these psychological impacts is crucial to fostering a healthier relationship with social media.

The Perpetuation of Unrealistic Beauty Standards

The Role of Filters and Editing Tools

Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have introduced a range of filters and editing tools that allow users to enhance their appearances. While seemingly harmless, these tools create an unrealistic portrayal of beauty that is nearly impossible to achieve in real life. Smooth skin, flawless features, and slim figures dominate social media feeds, setting a distorted standard that many feel pressured to attain.

Influencers and the “Perfect” Image

Influencers and celebrities often share highly curated content, featuring professional photography, makeup artists, and sometimes even plastic surgery enhancements. When audiences see these images without context, they internalize these beauty ideals as normal, leading to dissatisfaction with their own appearance. The rise of beauty and fitness influencers, who often promote unattainable body types through extreme diets and rigorous workout routines, further exacerbates this issue.

The Impact of Trends and Challenges

Social media trends such as the “hourglass figure challenge” or the “jawline check” reinforce specific body ideals that exclude a large portion of the population. These viral trends contribute to body dissatisfaction, particularly among adolescents who are still forming their self-identity.

The Psychological Impact of Comparison Culture

Social Comparison Theory

Psychologists argue that humans naturally engage in social comparison to evaluate their abilities and appearance. However, social media amplifies this tendency by exposing users to an endless stream of curated and often exaggerated portrayals of beauty and success. The more individuals compare themselves to unrealistic standards, the greater their risk of experiencing negative self-perception, and it can lead to social isolation where individuals have fear of judgement or rejection and relationship problems.

Excessive exposure to digitally altered images can lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. Young people, especially teenagers, are particularly vulnerable as their self-esteem is still developing. Studies have shown a correlation between increased social media Depression, creating low self-esteem, particularly in young women and girls.

Anxiety and Depression

The constant pressure to look a certain way can lead to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. Research indicates that individuals who frequently engage in appearance-based comparisons on social media report higher levels of stress and lower levels of life satisfaction. The pursuit of an unattainable ideal creates a cycle of self-doubt, where people feel they are never “good enough.”

How to Foster a Healthier Relationship with Social Media

Mindful Consumption

Being mindful about the content we consume can help mitigate the negative effects of unrealistic beauty standards. This involves:

• Following body-positive accounts that promote diverse representations of beauty.
• Limiting screen time to avoid excessive exposure to filtered images.
• Practicing self-awareness to recognize when social media is impacting mental well-being.

Media Literacy and Critical Thinking

Educating individuals about the artificial nature of social media images can help build resilience against comparison culture. Understanding that most online images are curated and edited can reduce the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

Encouraging Authenticity and Representation

Social media companies and influencers should promote more authentic content by:

• Reducing reliance on beauty filters.
• Sharing unedited photos.
• Advocating for diverse body types, skin tones, and features.

Seeking Professional Help

For those struggling with self-esteem, body image issues, or mental health concerns stemming from social media, seeking support from a licensed psychologist or counselor can be beneficial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and self-compassion exercises can help individuals break the cycle of comparison and develop a healthier self-image.

Conclusion

Social media, while a powerful tool for connection and self-expression, has a dark side when it comes to reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards and fostering a toxic comparison culture. The mental health consequences of these trends can be severe, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. However, by practicing mindful consumption, promoting media literacy, and encouraging authenticity, we can work towards a more inclusive and positive digital space. The key lies in understanding that true beauty comes in all forms and that self-worth should not be dictated by online validation.

References:

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.

• This study explores how social media comparisons impact body dissatisfaction and mood in young women.

Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women’s body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 363-377.

• A theoretical analysis of how social media contributes to body image concerns and the psychological mechanisms involved.

Huang, C. (2017). Time spent on social network sites and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 20(6), 346-354.

• A meta-analysis examining the relationship between time spent on social media and its impact on self-esteem and mental health.

Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 46(6), 630-633.

• This research highlights the effects of social media, particularly Facebook, on body image concerns in adolescent girls.

Brown, Z., & Tiggemann, M. (2016). Attractive celebrity and peer images on Instagram: Effect on women’s mood and body image. Body Image, 19, 37-43.