The pursuit of the “perfect” body has long been linked to significant distress and eating disorders. Despite this, social media platforms promote unrealistic beauty standards, fueling a relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
Millions of users are constantly bombarded with images of idealized bodies online. These images, often accompanied by tips and tricks to achieve the “perfect look,” can promote unrealistic beauty standards. Constant exposure to these idealized, often photoshopped images can negatively impact individuals’ self-perception and contribute to the development of eating disorders.
Poor body image, characterized by a negative evaluation of one’s own body due to a perceived gap between one’s real and ideal appearance, has been strongly linked to disordered eating. Research consistently shows that exposure to idealized body images on social media can significantly contribute to negative body image. Moreover, a “dose effect” has been observed, meaning that the more one views these idealized images online, the greater the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors.
How women process idealized body images on social media plays a crucial role:
While viewing idealized body images on social media is linked to disordered eating, research suggests that the impact on women depends on how they process these images. Two key factors have been identified:
1. Social Comparison: Directly comparing one’s own body to the perceived “perfection” portrayed in the images.
2. Internalization of Ideals: Adopting and prioritizing the idealized beauty standards, such as thinness or muscularity, as personal goals.
Addressing perfectionistic attitudes toward physical appearance is a key strategy for preventing and reducing negative body image and disordered eating. The Worry About Imperfection subscale of the Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale, developed by researchers Yang and Strober, measures concerns about imperfections in appearance and has been shown to strongly predict disordered eating behaviors. Even a more adaptive form of perfectionism—where individuals set high standards for their appearance without self-criticism, as measured by the Hope for Perfection scale—has been linked to risky and rigid dieting behaviors.
How can you support those working to ease the pain of body image perfectionism, particularly young people who are especially vulnerable to constant digital exposure to idealized body images? Here are some ideas to consider.
You can support others struggling with body image, especially when it drives them to chase an idealized figure, by encouraging them to let go of perfectionism. Perfection is an impossible and unrealistic standard—it’s more of a concept than a tangible goal. A person’s worth isn’t defined by appearance or how closely they match an ideal.
The drive for perfection in appearance may stem from a desire to control aspects of life that feel uncontrollable. In this context, eating disorders can be seen as misguided attempts to regain that sense of control. However, what we know is that eating disorders ultimately create the opposite effect.
The illusion of control masks a real loss of control over healthy eating habits. Support for individuals with eating disorders can involve encouraging them to trust their body’s natural rhythms when it comes to food and to address the underlying anxieties that drive the need for control without resorting to disordered eating behaviors.
Individuals who struggle with perfectionism regarding their physical appearance may exhibit rigid eating behaviors, not solely to attain an idealized physique but also to compensate for perceived shortcomings in their lives. They might feel like their physical appearance is the only thing they excel at. However, it’s important to remember that a perfect body is unattainable, and self-esteem can be found in many aspects of character besides appearance.
Encouragement to deprioritize appearance helps. Many people who focus on achieving an ideal look may realize that in the grand scheme of life, what truly matters is fostering deeper connections with others rather than striving for a perfect appearance.
Research conducted by Czepiel and Koopman revealed a concerning connection: Even hoping for an idealized body image can be linked to disordered eating behaviors. This study highlights the potential harm of attaching one’s hopes for happiness or a better quality of life to an idealized body image. It suggests that encouraging individuals to find self-worth and fulfillment outside of physical appearance may be beneficial in preventing disordered eating.
Body Image Essential Reads
Young people are unlikely to discontinue using social media. While social media plays a crucial role in how young people connect and communicate, research has increasingly linked its use to an increased risk of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in teenagers. Given the importance of social media in young people’s lives, the goal now is to identify and implement strategies to mitigate its negative impacts on mental health.
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Teaching media literacy is a powerful way to help people critically assess what they encounter on social media. This includes understanding the influence of sociocultural beauty ideals, such as the portrayal of young, white, smaller-than-average women, recognizing the manipulation behind photoshopped images, and becoming aware of advertisers’ biased motives in promoting weight loss and body-shaping products.
Research shows that the body positivity movement can effectively reduce body dissatisfaction associated with social media exposure. This movement emphasizes shifting the focus away from reducing negative body image and encourages building body positivity. This involves appreciating the body for its functions and respecting the natural diversity of body shapes and sizes.
Encouraging self-compassion is crucial for mental well-being. This involves cultivating an attitude of kindness and forgiveness towards oneself, especially when facing mistakes or setbacks. For example, if someone has a strict exercise routine, promoting an attitude of “it’s OK to take a break” can help prevent feelings of guilt or failure.
Similarly, in the context of the eating disorder recovery journey, encouraging self-compassion means learning to say, “Oh well, I learned something,” instead of engaging in negative, self-critical thoughts after a slip-up.
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Given that abstinence from social media is unrealistic and hinders social interaction with peers, focusing on limiting exposure to harmful content holds more promise. Media literacy training can empower adolescents to identify and avoid content that negatively impacts their well-being. For instance, teens can often recognize that comparing their bodies to those depicted online leads to negative feelings. By becoming aware of this connection, they can proactively limit their exposure to such content to protect themselves.
Individuals can play a crucial role in supporting those with eating disorders by advocating for change. This includes calling for:
1. Greater body diversity in media: This can help reduce the internalization of the “perfect-body” thin ideal and promote a healthier perception of body image.
2. Reduction in weight stigma and bullying: To create a more inclusive and accepting environment for people of all sizes.
These actions can help challenge harmful societal norms and create a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with eating disorders.
The idea of a “perfect body” is a myth. Online media perpetuates it and has been linked to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. We can take essential steps to lessen the impact of this harmful misconception.