Virtual Mirror: How Social Media Shapes Our View of Health and Wellness
Do you ever find yourself scrolling through social media and come across posts or information that influences how you feel about yourself or what you know about your health? If so, you're not alone. Nowadays, social media plays a big part in our lives and greatly influences how we see our health and wellness, both in positive and negative ways.
Comparison and Body Image
When we scroll through social media, we often see pictures of 'perfect’ bodies, setting unrealistic and sometimes unhealthy body standards. This can lead us to compare ourselves to these images. This constant exposure can alter our perception of what “ idealized bodies” are supposed to look like, leading to body dissatisfaction and, in some cases, triggering disordered eating patterns. Research has shown a direct link between using social media and feeling bad about our bodies, especially among young women [1].
But there's good news too! More and more people are using social media platforms to promote body positivity and diversity. These influencers are called 'body positivists' and encourage accepting and appreciating all body types. They reject the diet culture narrative and resist narrow body standards shown in mainstream media. Remember, it's essential to embrace our uniqueness and not compare our journey to someone else's. Everyone's paths are different, and that's okay! We all come from different backgrounds, which means no one's story will look exactly the same, and neither will our bodies. Check out this roundup of Instagram accounts from fellow registered dietitian, food and body liberation coach Alissa Rumsey.
Fads and Misinformation
Social media is flooded with health and wellness trends, diets, and quick fixes, which many times are not backed by science and can even be harmful to our health. This misinformation can lead to harmful health decisions, delay us from getting the right treatment, and make us doubt our own health care team. Health fads that promise quick results could end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Remember that not all information is created equal!
While social media stands as a place where misleading information thrives, it also serves as a powerful tool for health education and advocacy. Health experts and organizations can use it as a platform to raise awareness about different health issues, debunk myths, and share accurate information. Just always make sure to consider the source and seek advice from trusted health professionals when you are in doubt or before trying something new.
Mental Health and Self Esteem
Social media can also greatly affect our mental health and self-esteem. When we are constantly flooded with highlight reels of other people's lives/daily activities, our lives can sometimes seem inadequate, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression [2]. We might also feel pressured to portray our lives as “perfect”, which may affect our self-esteem. This can negatively affect our mental well-being and make it challenging to feel content and happy with ourselves and our lives.
On a positive note, one of the best things about social media is its ability to connect us with supportive communities and raise awareness about mental health. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have groups where people can share their personal experiences, provide encouragement to others facing similar challenges, and celebrate triumphs [3]. This sense of community can help foster a supportive environment where people feel understood and less alone. Social media can also be a powerful tool for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, harvesting a more compassionate and understanding society.
Social media has a powerful impact on how we perceive health and wellness. It can either lift us up or bring us down, depending on how we use it. Let's be mindful of the content we consume and share, ensuring that it promotes positivity and supports our individual growth. Remember, every person’s life is unique! So, let's scroll wisely and create a healthier social media experience for everyone!
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S174014451400148X?via%3Dihub
Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7364393/
Karim F, Oyewande AA, Abdalla LF, Chaudhry Ehsanullah R, Khan S. Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2020 Jun 15;12(6):e8627. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8627. PMID: 32685296; PMCID: PMC7364393.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10079172/
Phalswal U, Pujari V, Sethi R, Verma R. Impact of social media on mental health of the general population during Covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review. J Educ Health Promot. 2023 Jan 31;12:23. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_460_22. PMID: 37034873; PMCID: PMC10079172.