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Breaking the Illusion: Body Image in the Era of Social Media and AI
Over the decades, beauty standards and body image trends have dramatically evolved, pushing women to meet often unattainable ideals amidst societal and technological changes. However, as social media and AI increasingly influence our lives, we now have greater power to mitigate these effects and promote healthier perceptions of body image.
August 2, 2024
For young women, the notion of body image is brutal. Often a marker for female self-identity and self-worth from day dot until the final breath, young women are bearing the brunt of body image more than ever before.
Why? Well, we only need to unlock our phones, take a walk in our main streets or switch on the television to see why. Society has dreamed up a new era of beauty standards that have no footing in reality. Married with patriarchal expectations and modern pressures, merely existing as a young woman has never been so confronting, confusing or complex. Let’s explore this below.
Tales of body image trends
As the decades have shifted, we’ve seen a dramatic change in beauty standards and body image trends. Mirroring broader cultural and societal changes (and now, battling technological advancements), women have been expected to keep up and look the part – even when it hurts, and even when it’s completely unattainable.
Let’s think back to the 1950s. We lusted over curvaceous, bold women like Marilyn Monroe. There was nothing sexier than a full, voluptuous shape. Yet just forty years later, by the 1990s, our gaze shifted towards thinner frames, made famous by the likes of Kate Moss.
Today, we idolise the exaggerated hourglass figure – a ‘feat’ that is completely unattainable and unrealistic. So how did we get here?
The rise of social media
When we consider how much social media is consumed by young folk, it’s almost a given. For many, social media is as much a part of the everyday slog as brushing your teeth or dozing off to sleep. It’s a realm where self-expression, social interaction and information can thrive – but it can also act as a rabbit hole of self-destruction if the user isn’t careful.
Fueled by constant comparison, the pressure of societal standards and curated information, it makes sense that it seeps into the psyche when our devices live snug in our pockets.
New York University’s Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and professor of ethical leadership, believes there’s a strong link between heavy use of social media and rising levels of depression, anxiety and self-harm in young girls.
He’s also adamant this rise coincided with the boom of social media.
Users are constantly bombarded with curated, edited images that tout wildly unrealistic standards. Leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, the endless cycle of likes and comments have created a dependency on external validation – and when it’s not met, users feel deeply unworthy.
As technology advanced, we saw more editing tools make their mark on the world wide web. From Photoshop to the free-for-all face-altering filters that make us look slimmer, more toned and blemish-free, it’s no wonder we’re seeing a tidal wave of body image distortion.
AI has entered the chat
And it’s only on track to get worse. Since artificial intelligence has swooped into the picture, body image standards have become a nightmare for young folk.
Featuring photo editing tools that put face-altering filters to shame, AI can drastically alter appearances within seconds. Think of smoother skin and re-moulded body parts – we can now create idealised versions of ourselves in one click. And AI isn’t just for the up-to-speed tech-head anymore – this content is flooding our feeds and making its way into everyday lives. Fostering a healthy body image is feeling further and further away for our young ones.
A lack of education around AI is largely to blame. The technology has become so powerful that most users consuming the content have no idea what’s real and what’s not. The line between fiction and reality is becoming increasingly blurred, making body positivity beyond reach.
When reality is warped
Unaware that they’re chasing an illusion, the constant slog of edited or AI-generated images plays a foundational role in warping body image amongst young women. When their own bodies don’t match the flawless images they see online, the gap feels colossal. Their bubble of self-esteem bursts, leading to instances of extreme body dysmorphia and mental health problems.
Here’s how you can rise above the noise
There are ways to break the illusion. Here are some of our favourites:
Media Literacy Education:
Learning to critically analyse media content and understand the prevalence of editing can help young women recognise the colossal gap between real life and the content they consume. Education on how the media influences perceptions of beauty is crucial.
Play an Active Role in Your Social Media Feed:
Notice what feelings come up when you interact with each account, and consciously unfollow the ones that make you feel inadequate or not good enough. Make an effort to only follow body-positive accounts and influencers who promote realistic and diverse body types. You’ll be surprised at how quickly this can shift your view!
Practice Self-Compassion:
Actively engage in self-compassion exercises and affirmations to build a more positive relationship with your body. It’s a long road, but a worthwhile one at that.
Seek Supportive Communities:
Join communities, either online or offline, that support body positivity and self-acceptance. Being part of a supportive network can help you develop a healthier relationship with your body and who you are.
Limit Social Media Usage:
Actively set boundaries when it comes to the the time you spend on social media. Make a conscious effort to engage in real-life activities and interactions that make you feel good.
Focus on Health, Not Appearance:
Emphasise the things that make you feel good, rather than the things aimed solely at changing your appearance. Taking charge of your health and learning to appreciate what your body does for you is a wonderful way to soften your thoughts around self-image.
Professional Help:
If body image issues are severely impacting your mental health, consider seeking help from a therapist or counsellor. One of our favourite organisations for body image support is the Butterfly Foundation. You can connect with them here.
The new-age impact on body image has been blown out of proportion – but all is not lost. As social media and AI garner a tighter grip on our society (and drag our young ones along for the ride), we have more power than ever before to take actions that buffer its effects.
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We respectfully acknowledge the first custodians of the land on which we live and work, the Wurrundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging and to all First Nations People. Sovereignty was never ceded and treaties were never signed.
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