Last year was a very sad year. Although, it seems, we’re still living in difficult times. So, everyone appears to be on the edge.
And as technology continues to be part of our lives whether we like it or not, it is no wonder that its dark side is having deep impact on us. In this post, I talk about ways social media impacts your body image.
Have you recently looked at pictures on Instagram and broke down crying because you don’t like the body you’re in? 
The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine. She shared with me how she felt ashamed of her body because few people commented on a full body picture she posted on one of social media. In other words, some comments were rude and mean.
However, I was surprised! Here is why.
Many people had great things to say about her picture than the few that did not. So I asked her why she cared about what people said. She simply told me: “I wanted them to like it! ” I told her that she was just perfect the way she is. Makeup, wigs, this and that do not make a person.
But, I definitely understood what she was going through. I’ve had my fair share of negative body image in my college years.
Anyway, let me stop here and get to the point.
Let’s first look at some positive impacts:
- You can learn a lot from different platforms. On YouTube you can learn new skills, crafts and such.
- Social media makes it easy to share information with others.
- Connecting with others locally or globally becomes a breeze.
So, now let’s take a look at the negative impacts:
- Social media’s standard for beauty can make some people feel very insecure. So this may cause some to not share.
- Who you look at on social media can affect how you feel, at a time.
- In addition, social media can drag you into the bubble.
For instance, the bubble could be where everyone wants to be skinny, married and rich, fit and such. Your brain can start thinking that this is the real world. However, the truth can’t be far fetched.
So what can you do? Here are 5 tips to boost your confidence!
Be a mindful person. That is to say, understand the link between what you’re looking at and how you feel. And of course how you behave too.
Do a self- love practice. To clarify, maybe you look at what interests you and what you can identify with. For example search for body images of people that resemble your own.
View yourself in a positive way.
Don’t be judgmental. Judgments placed on us by others and on others can hurt.
Practice positive affirmation.
For example, list few things in your journal that you like about your body. That is to say, do this everyday. Additionally, self-care should be a major part of self-love.
Keep in mind that what you see on social media can be artificial. Meaning some of it is fake. Therefore be realistic. Also bear in mind that people are not the same.
Summary
In short, mindset and perception have a major influence in our lives. So, don’t let social media’s standard for beauty make you insecure. To sum up, let’s love ourselves without relying on external things to do it. Therefore; appreciate, value and love yourself!
You’re perfect just the way you’re! So be you!