The dark side of social media
Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, allowing people to connect with friends and family, share their lives with others, teach, coach, share recipes and stay up-to-date with news and events. Don’t get us wrong we love our Instagram page and creating content for our aceCOMMUNITY and also love the inspiration & education we get from all the wonderful people we follow. However, social media has also been linked to a range of negative effects, including the potential harm it can have on one’s body image. In this blog, we will explore why social media can be harmful for body image and the impact it can have on individuals.
We have to remember that Instagram, like many social media platforms, is just a curated snapshot of someone’s life or a particular moment. People tend to share only the parts of their life that they want others to see, and often filter out the less glamorous or less desirable aspects.
Additionally, social media can create a culture of comparison, with individuals constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling inadequate as a result. This culture can lead to individuals feeling as though they are not “enough” in some way, whether it be in terms of their appearance, achievements, or lifestyle. This constant comparison can lead to negative effects on one’s self-esteem and body image. Content Creators, Influencers will share images of their perfectly honed bodies, healthy meals, organised and tidy houses & beautifully behaved children, sometimes using filters and editing tools to perfect the look they are trying to represent. Wouldn’t it be great if some of these influencers with these seemingly perfect lives showed what a S**t show life can be sometimes? We’d all be able to relate and not feel so bad about our lives that aren’t always exemplary!
A body builder doesn’t look “competition ready” all year long. And certainly, they don’t look like that just by doing what they show you on social media. Body building is one of the hardest disciplines on the body and mind. It requires a rigid nutrition and training plan, along with endless discipline. And we won’t even talk about how unhealthy this look can be in the short and long term!
Similarly, you can’t expect to look like that fit, slim influencer that preaches food freedom. Yes sure, burgers, cookies and what not all make part of a healthy and balanced diet. We always say it and we stand by this. But, you only see one meal that person has, and there is no way of knowing when they ate that, or what else they ate that day. They might even have an eating disorder you know nothing about! It’s really hard to stay healthy, slim and toned if your diet only consists of high-calorie foods!
In conclusion, social media can be harmful for body image due to its highly curated and often unrealistic portrayal of reality, promotion of a narrow definition of beauty, creation of a culture of comparison, and objectification of individuals. It is important for individuals to recognise the potential negative effects of social media on their mental and physical health and take steps to protect themselves, such as limiting their social media use or seeking support from a mental health professional.
So our biggest piece of advice here?
Do a Passover (or spring) clean of your social media!
Go through the accounts you follow and get rid of anything that makes you feel miserable, that make false promises or make you question yourself and your self-worth!
We do hope you’ll stay around and follow us though 😉
We promise to continue keeping it real, showing you our grocery unpacking, our dog walks, the mess in our houses and kitchen and anything else you might like to see and can relate to!
