My Mind, My Body, My Journey™ 

In the age of social media and beauty influencers it can be challenging to be authentic. People have millions of followers for portraying an image and lifestyle different from themselves. Social influencers are paid to promote unrealistic beauty standards through heavily edited images. The impact of social media on mental health has been well documented. However, due to the pandemic more research has focused on the impact of social media on children, adolescents, and young adults. Recently, the American Psychological Association (APA) published a study that involved a randomized control trial of predominately young women (i.e., ages 17-25) which involved limiting use of Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter, and Tumbler on their smart phones and exploring if the participants experienced improvements in their perceptions of their appearance and body image¹. It was noted that the participants who limited their use of social media had improvements in how they perceived their body and appearance¹.

Limiting exposure to things that can be triggering is a good strategy; however, it will be important to embrace skills, behaviors, and habits to help you avoid being triggered by things such as social media images. One method may include choosing to be authentic. According to the dictionary, authentic means the following “of undisputed origin; genuine.” It also means “made or done in the traditional or original way, or in a way that faithfully resembles an original.”  Another definition includes “based on facts, accurate or reliable.” A few words that stand out include “genuine” “traditional” “original” and “accurate.” I believe those words have the potential to help improve perceptions of appearance and body image. If more social media influencers, celebrities, and media companies were accurate about the images portrayed or used original photos, many people would have a more realistic viewpoint about body image, health, and beauty. There are so many influencers who have undergone extensive plastic surgery to obtain their desired appearance but inform their followers that their bodies are natural or the result of diet and exercise. Many images are the result of extensive editing, false hair, and layers of makeup, advanced lighting, and the selection of the best photo. We rarely see the original or traditional image and are rarely told accurate information on many social media platforms. While it may seem harmless, and part of marketing, the impacts can cause self-esteem, body image concerns, and depression and anxiety, as the study highlighted above mentioned. Some women can develop addictive behaviors to achieve the desired social media look, such as plastic surgery and other costly beauty regimes. Many of those procedures come with risks and complications such as permanent disability or even death. There have been studies that have explored the correlation between beauty products and cancer, such as the use of chemical relaxers.

Being authentic is more than being original but being true to yourself and allowing others to see the person you are. The benefits of being authentic include having improved self-confidence and self-acceptance, and increased resiliency. When you are authentic you are less likely to experience internal conflict and more likely to experience fulfillment and personal growth. People who are meant to come into your life will arrive and stay, they will appreciate and cherish your authentic self. Any person who does not accept your authentic self is not meant to be in your life. Being authentic can help you develop meaningful relationships with others and avoid toxic and negative friendships and relationships.  Be true to yourself and live your life for yourself and not the opinions of others.

Wishing you health and happiness

Reference

1. Thai H, Davis CG, Mahboob W, Perry S, Adams A, & Goldfield G. Reducing social media use improves appearance and weight esteem in youth with emotional distress. Psychology in Popular Media. 2023: 1-8. doi: 10.1037/ppm0000460.