The Importance of Body-Positive Imagery on Social Media
A recent study demonstrated that exposure to body-positive imagery on social media had positive effects on both young men and women (Fasoli & Constantinou, 2024). Participants who viewed images depicting individuals of varying weights reported increased overall body satisfaction, increased positive mood, and reduced concerns about weight. Conversely, participants shown images of idealized bodies (a.k.a. “the thin or fit ideal”) reported decreased body satisfaction, decreased positive mood, and increased weight concerns.
What implications does this have for parents? First and foremost, I believe it is critical that we are assisting our children and teens in curating their social media feeds. Exposure to body diversity and to criticism of unrealistic body ideals are both crucial if we want them to develop an empowered relationship with their bodies, one not marked by endless dissatisfaction and constant efforts to fix or “perfect” themselves.
Further, we must teach our kids to question the content they consume. Here are some important lessons when teaching children to become critical social media consumers:
Most social media pictures and messages are carefully crafted- the intent is to send a very specific message. Question to consider: What is the message and why is it being sent?
Often, images on social media, especially from advertisers, intentionally play on certain emotions (in order to drive change or prompt a certain behavior). Questions to consider: What emotion is being elicited for me, and do I have any corresponding action urges?
Individuals or various accounts on social media may lack expertise or lived experience regarding topics addressed. Question to consider: Is this a trustworthy, reputable, and reliable source?
It’s important to make informed decisions when on social media, and not think or act in certain ways just because influencers do. Question to consider: What decisions best honor and protect my mental health and wellbeing?
Social media often presents just one perspective or view. Question to consider: What might other view points on this particular topic or issue include?
If you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s like me there was a tremendous dearth of body diversity and body-positive images depicted in the media. The landscape is certainly different now, in many regards. I love that my children can walk into a clothing store and see mannequins of different sizes, or open a magazine and see folks of all different shapes represented. However, we still have a lot of work to do. Social media can be very powerful, in positive and negative ways, so let’s be more mindful together of the content we both create and consume.
Fasoli, F., & Constantinou, D. (2024). Does body positivity work for men as it does for women? The impact of idealized body and body positive imagery on body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity. Acta psychologica, 243, 104126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104126