Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram along with others like LinkedIn, Snapchat, and X (formerly known as Twitter) — have brought the world together like never before.
However, they have also set unrealistic beauty standards that impact millions of Americans. For those who use social media, body image issues have unfortunately become par for the course.
So, how exactly does social media affect body image? Keep reading to find out.
Social Media Exposes People to Idealized Images
The average person spends about 2.5 hours using social media each day. This accounts for roughly a third of their daily time online.
While people are scrolling through social media apps and poking around on social media websites, they’re typically bombarded with idealized images of celebrities, models, and influencers. These photographs often showcase them in the best possible light. In almost all instances, they’re heavily edited and manipulated to portray them to an unattainable beauty standard.
This alone may lead to body dissatisfaction issues. It might also explain why studies have shown that about 85% of people have low self-esteem.
It Causes People To Compare Themselves to Others Constantly
Even when we do mean to, men and women have gotten into the habit of comparing themselves to others on social media. About 65% of men and 88% of women fall into this unfortunate trap — and you can imagine the toll it might take on their body image when they’re repeating this process every day.
It Puts Pressure on People To Change How They Look
When people routinely compare themselves to others on social media, they may begin to view their own looks in a negative light. This might put an unhealthy amount of pressure on them to change how they look to improve their body image.
Young people seem especially susceptible to this phenomenon. Surveys suggest that up to 40% of them admit to changing how they look after seeing social media images that make them question their appearances.
Some people even take drastic measures to cultivate what they think are the ideal looks based on their social media habits. They may, for example, turn to plastic surgery to achieve a specific appearance. They might also engage in risky behaviors like self-objectification or develop eating disorders due to the body image issues that social media causes.
It Pushes People To Continue To Alter Their Appearances Based on the Latest Trends
The most dangerous thing about the unrealistic beauty standards that social media helps set is that they’re always changing. Today’s idealized images could very well look outdated next month.
Because of this, people who change their appearances based on the latest trends in pursuit of “perfection” can’t ever attain it. They will sometimes get stuck in a never-ending cycle of trying to keep up with the looks they see on social media.
Some people realize when they’re caught in this cycle and work their way out of it. However, others aren’t able to do this and find that it dramatically impacts their body image and self-worth.
It Opens People Up to Criticism From Other Social Media Users
Even when people don’t post any of their own pictures on social media, body image issues can cause mental health complications. These issues might also become even more problematic when people put themselves out there by posting photos online.
Cyberbullying has turned into a massive problem for many young people. Studies show that about one-third of children, teenagers, and young adults have been cyberbullied before.
When people face cyberbullying after posting images on social media, this is yet another factor that causes body image issues. It may lead people to believe they need to change certain aspects of their appearance to stop cyberbullying.
Unpack the Connection Between Social Media and Body Image Further
The body positivity movement has been going on for decades. It has worked well for many people who have learned to embrace their unique bodies and appreciate others more.
Still, social media continues to stir up body image issues in people and significantly impacts their mental health. If you use social media, body image has the potential to become a problem for you.
A licensed therapist from J Lewis Therapy will help you explore the link between social media and body image issues. Call us at 347-718-2681 to take advantage of our therapeutic services.
FAQs About Social Media and Body Image
Get answers to commonly asked questions about social media and body image below.
How Can I Stop Social Media From Affecting My Body Image?
You can stop social media from affecting your body image by limiting your time on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. You can also do it by monitoring how you use social media. Additionally, you should consider speaking with a licensed therapist about any body image issues that may arise as a result of social media usage.
What Are Other Harmful Effects of Social Media?
Social media does more than create body image issues for some people. It might also lead to other harmful effects, such as feelings of inadequacy and isolation. These feelings increase the chances of a person developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Is Social Media Bad for My Mental Health?
Social media may be bad for your mental health in certain cases. It could cause psychological harm if you spend too much time on social media or use that time looking at inappropriate images. It might also hurt your mental health if you regularly compare yourself to the pictures you see on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., as research has demonstrated a connection between social media and body image issues.

Jill Lewis MA, LCSW, CGP, and current fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Jill brings all parts of herself to her practice. She’s authentic, genuine, attentive, attuned, and works to be perceptive in every interaction with her clients. She challenges and gently encourages her clients who are struggling but also willing to put the work in for a brighter future.
Join Our Mailing List
Maybe you don't need counseling right now, but how about getting tips from a professional every now and then?
Latest Posts
Telehealth is Available!
Do not emotionally distance while you are physically distance, J Lewis Therapy is here to help.