Social Media and Body Image: When Filters Distort Reality
Chances are that you’ve done this or are doing it right now: scrolling. You’re just checking your feed, right? No big deal. But before long, you begin to feel it. That little ache in your chest, or the pit of your stomach, and the faint whisper in your ear that says that you’re not as attractive or accomplished as those images on the tiny screen. You’re certainly not thin enough after that hearty breakfast. You’re obviously not strong enough because you succumbed to checking out “his” social media again. You must not be attractive enough since all those in your social circle seem to be finding love, and you’re not. Social media often tells you that you’re not enough in some measurable way. Social media is supposed to connect us, hence the inclusion of the word “social” in the name. And sometimes it does exactly what it is supposed to do. It brings joy, celebration, and builds community. But for many, especially women and young people, it also provides a critical mirror that distorts reality. It becomes a filter for lies and a highlight reel that confidently celebrates everyone else’s wins and quietly chips away at your self-esteem. When life is going great, you might enjoy consuming a few images from influencers, fitness gurus, or even peeking into the lives of your most accomplished and polished friends. And there might not be any harm in doing that occasionally. But there are times when social media can become toxic to consume. Somewhere between the endless reels and the perfectly posed selfies, your brain starts comparing. And comparison, as has been said, is the thief of joy, but it is also the thief of identity. You were never meant to find your identity in the confusing halls of the internet or to [...]
