According to Google, there are 4.59 billion social media users worldwide, with 84% of those being people between 18-29 years old. This suggests that most of our understanding of the world comes from, in part, social media. When children begin accessing social media, they realize the comparison effect- what is everyone else doing and is it better than me?
People often attribute social media to negative self-image and negative self-esteem in society, and I agree with that to a degree. When consumed intentionally, social media can be an amazing tool for feeling connected and empowered and giving individuals a voice. As with any tool, it comes down to how you use it.
When working with clients struggling with body image and eating disorder recovery, I like to discuss how social media is being consumed, what types of accounts they follow, how they feel after scrolling, and also which websites they do their clothes shopping. The last one often surprises people. Did you know that stores like Old Navy, H&M, Eloquie, Torrid, Penningtons, Reitmans, and Abercrombie have plus size sections or size inclusivity on their websites AND use model diversity? Knowing which stores embrace body diversity will help you with two mental blocks:
You will not have to feel 'bad' for a store not carrying your size. Your body does not have to shrink to fit a certain style or outfit.
Seeing diverse models desensitizes us to the 'shock' of seeing larger bodies and decreases the idea that 'thin' is the standard.
Imagine how great you would feel shopping online and seeing a model who looked like you. It would most likely increase your likelihood of buying from a store. Being intentional about where you shop can help boost self-esteem when you aren't constantly thinking "I must be the problem if I don't look like this or they don't have my size". You are never the problem.
My next step is to provide clients with a list of "trusted influencers". To me, this means influencers who use body-neutral language, are body-acceptance, HAES-informed, and do not promote exercise for the sake of punishing our bodies, or diets to change our bodies. I have personally vetted and followed these accounts for years, or the accounts are supported by other body-neutral influencers/businesses. Their content is there to make you laugh, cry, and connect, but most of all feel good about wherever you are in your body journey.
We spend so much of our lives consuming media that ensuring its messaging aligns with our values and goals is extremely important.
I encourage you now- next time you are scrolling Instagram, TikTok, Facebook... wherever you get your social fix these days... take some time to ask yourself:
- Does this person make me feel okay with myself?
- Does their messaging align with my values or how I want to view the world?
- Is this person trying to promote or sell something that inherently tells me I'm not good enough as I am?
- Is this person inclusive or socially conscious in their content?
If any of these answers are 'no'- DELETE.
I have curated a list of influencers I often suggest to clients, and accounts I truly believe in. This is a non-exhaustive list and is one I always add to for clients in my private practice.
The fun part is finding people who speak to you! Laugh, cry, get mad, get curious.
Because social media, like everything else, is not a one-size-fits-all (*insert sigh here*).
SAFE INFLUENCERS:
· @Nondiettrainer · @Isabelladavis6 · @ellahalikas · @elyse_myers · @ashleygraham · @victoriagarrick · @lizzobeeating · @realistic.body.therapist · @mikzazon · @edadhd_therapist · @jameelajamil · @foodbody.peace · @jaimmykoroma · @violadavis · @yrfatfriend · @danaemercer · @chloe_xandria · @healthyphit - @Michellelelman
Virtually yours,
Taylor A.
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