Social Media and Body Image

Social Media and Body Image

James Taylor

Ottawa University

June 1, 2016

Abstract

In this article this writer shall discuss the effect of social media and how it can affect the body images of certain demographics. The theory behind this phenomenon is the Self Discrepancy Theory in which the individual perceives themselves differently than they actually are, and this discrepancy causes emotional distress (Stevens, Bardeen, Pittman, Lovejoy, 2015).

Social Media and Body Image

It cannot be denied that the media helps shape the idea of what the perfect body is, and for some this constant exposure to unrealistic body may lead to damaging behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia.

Discrepancy Theory

“Discrepancy in self- image can occur when individual’s hold conflicting beliefs about personal characteristics and those one would ideally like to have” (www.allpsych.com, n.d). The discrepancy can be anything, but for the purposes of this paper we will limit the discussion to eating/binge disorders. People who suffer from these eating disorders often believe that they are overweight, despite being obviously under a normal body weight. Often these individuals’ will either binge on foods and then purge themselves immediately to avoid gaining weight, or they may limit the amount of calories they consume on a daily basis and exercise compulsively in order to stay thin.

It has been suggested that social media may be partially to blame for this growing problem, and there are even some websites that support people that choose to engage in these disordered behaviors. These sights refer to themselves as “pro-ana” (pro-anorexia) or “”pro-mia” (pro-bulimia) and give the users a global platform in which to show off their ‘success’ and to share tips on how to stay thin (Rojas, 2014).

It is the opinion of this writer that this behavior is certainly fueled by the Discrepancy Theory, and often an intervention resulting in hospitalization may be necessary in order to help these individuals to the road to good mental and physical health. It is important to remember that what we see in magazines and television is not real, the images have created an ideal that very few can live up to, but advertising keeps fueling this obsession that we must look a certain way in order to be worthwhile. If you are reading this, know that you are great just like you are, curves, slim, or anywhere in between. Be kind to yourself, and try not to believe the airbrushed images that are just not true.

References

Rojas, M., (2014). Social Media Helps Fuel Some Eating Disorders. The Westchester County Journal    News June 1, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/01/social-    media-helps-fuel-eating-disorders/9817513/

Stevens, E. N., Bardeen, J. R., Pittman, L. D., & Lovejoy, M. C. (2015). The Interactive Effect of    Individual Differences in Goal Strength and Self-Discrepancies: Examining Negative Affective  Outcomes. Journal Of Social & Clinical Psychology, 34(2), 161-180. doi:10.1521/jscp.2015.34.2.161

www.allpsych.com (n.d.). Discrepancy Theory. Retrieved fromhttp://allpsych.com/?    s=discrepancy+theory