Steps to Challenge Your Perception of Body Positivity
In a world dominated by social media, it is easy to believe that one body type represents the ideal. Here are some steps you can take to dismantle biases about body positivity.
By Mallory Lindahl
The modern world is overtaken by advertisements, commercials, and the use of social media; namely, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In fact, nearly 71 percent of people from the ages of 18-24 actively use Instagram as their main social media outlet (1). What originally started as a small photo-sharing app soon turned into a platform for celebrities, businesses, and influencers to create content and generate revenue for a product or service. Body positivity, in general terms, can be defined as the acceptance and love of all bodies despite their differences. However, the movement has been incredibly warped by celebrity and influencer endorsements of flat tummy teas, waist-trainers, diet culture, and more. Not only has this been proven to negatively impact users’ perceptions of themselves, but it keeps us from observing our own biases about our bodies and the bodies of others.
An uplifting image of one’s own body can result in a more positive psychological and emotional state, in addition to its capacity to better one’s physical health. However, social media can be extremely detrimental to the user’s body image. Unfortunately, mainstream accounts often do not promote inclusive and safe body-positive messaging. Research of posts, including the hashtags #fitspiration and #thinspiration, has indicated some obvious trends: the posts mainly feature thin women, the women are often dressed in sponsored gym gear, and they pose in a sexually objectifying manner. While these women may have an athletic build and training schedule that is suitable for their lifestyle, these goals are often unattainable for their followers, who may not have access to the same workout facilities, coaches, or finances. The images that have dominated the body positivity movement can lead to unhealthy practices, such as unnecessary fasting, over-exercising, and unhealthy obsessions with weight.
Although condemning a certain image does not enhance body positive movements, praising a certain image does not either. True body positivity embraces the differences between all bodies, and the hashtag #bodypositivity has become more and more focused on spreading this message.
However, the question remains: How can we remain truly body positive while using social media?
The first step is to take a look at who we follow on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can ask yourself what you are used to seeing. Do you follow mostly women? Are they wealthy? White? Non-disabled? Perhaps your feed lacks plus-sized body image advocates and replaces them with celebrities whose bodies have been surgically altered. If we follow people who share our personal values or characteristics, it can create a sense of belonging. However, it can also limit us from seeing the diversity of voices on social media. Listening to others’ experiences and struggles can help create a sense of empathy and empowerment.
This practice then leads to the second step, which entails advancing your own view of body positivity by exploring other aspects of health and well-being. Even if weight loss is a personal goal of yours, achieving this aspiration also has to come with mental and emotional changes to your lifestyle. Positivity for one’s body, mind, and soul can be spread through intuitive eating tips, at home exercises for both physical and mental stimulation, and building connections with those who are both similar to and different from yourself.
The third step is to explore your relationship with yourself and your own body. How do you speak to yourself in the mirror? How do you want to look? Why? If possible, reach out to friends and family who will support you in your journey toward accepting and loving your body.
It can be daunting to know which social media accounts are right for you. Below is a list of users who may be inspirational in the development of your notion of body positivity and in the maintenance of a healthy mindset:
Stephanie Webb earned a Masters of Science in holistic nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Science. Her Instagram includes food and smoothie recipes, free classes about nutrition, meal plans, and suggestions for exercises. Additionally, she posts videos on informative topics, such as “How to Deal with Boredom Eating.” She also offers positive reinforcement messages surrounding self-care and body image.
This account was created in 2013 by Tess Holiday, a professional makeup artist, plus-sized model, and lifestyle blogger. It features other lifestyle, fashion, and beauty bloggers of all sizes and genders. She tags these creators in the posts, allowing followers to navigate to their pages and see their messages.
Stephanie Yeboah is a plus-sized body image and self-love advocate. Her account includes recipes, skincare routines, makeup and teeth care recommendations.
Alice Wong founded the Disability Visibility project and uses her Instagram to promote disability media and social media activism.
Healthy_ish is focused largely around keeping healthy eating delicious! They also post mental exercises and resources, especially for black people, given the current environment. They also share other resources for healthy and intuitive eating!
Cohen, Rachel, Lauren Irwin, Toby Newton-John, and Amy Slater. “#Bodypositivity: A Content Analysis of Body Positive Accounts on Instagram.” Body Image 29 (2019): 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.02.007.
Kelly, Lauren, and Sara Daneshjoo. “263. Instagram & Body Positivity Among Female Adolescents & Young Adults.” Journal of Adolescent Health 64, no. 2 (January 16, 2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.10.280.