Redefining Beauty: How Social Media Shapes Our Body Image and What to Do About It
March 30, 2025
We want to start by saying this: you are not alone in how you feel about your body. In fact, you're part of a growing conversation that's shifting the way we think about beauty, self-worth, and how those ideas are influenced by something that's become an inseparable part of our lives—social media.
As Psychotherapists, we’ve had many conversations with clients who express frustration, confusion, and sometimes even sadness when comparing themselves to the people they see online. But here's the thing: social media, for all its good, is often a highlight reel. It shows us the best versions of people, the most curated moments, and sometimes, the most unattainable standards of beauty and success. That, in turn, can leave us feeling less than, inadequate, or disconnected from our own unique selves.
The Beauty Filter Trap
Let’s talk about filters and editing for a second. It’s almost become a norm to tweak photos, smooth skin, or enhance features before posting them. While this can be fun, it often creates a distorted version of reality. When we see others post these “perfect” images, it’s easy to start comparing our natural, unfiltered selves and feeling like we fall short. But here’s the truth: nobody looks like their filtered photos all the time (not even the influencers, celebrities, or models).
In therapy, we often help clients explore what’s going on under the surface when they’re struggling with body image. For many, social media fosters the idea that their worth is tied to how they look. It’s subtle, but over time, it seeps in. If you’re someone who’s constantly comparing, it can feel like you’re never quite enough, no matter how many likes or comments you get.
Beauty Standards: Evolving, Yet Still Holding Strong
Let’s talk about beauty standards for a moment. These standards have always existed, but social media has amplified them in ways we’ve never experienced before. We see what’s “in” on the runway one season, and the next, it’s completely different. The pressure to match these ever-changing ideals can be exhausting.
But here’s something that can help you breathe a little easier: beauty standards are not set in stone. They are created by society, influenced by media, and can be reshaped. There’s a growing movement online where people are embracing diverse body types, different skin tones, and all kinds of facial features. This inclusivity is challenging traditional norms, and it’s incredibly powerful.
When you scroll through your feed, consider what messages you’re absorbing. Is it telling you to look a certain way? To act a certain way? Are those messages aligned with who you truly are, or are they pushing you toward a version of beauty that doesn’t feel authentic? Taking a step back from the noise and recognizing that beauty is subjective and fluid can give you more freedom to embrace your own body and uniqueness!
A Personal Story: Our Own Journeys
To make this more personal, let us share something from our own experiences. When we were younger, we can remember feeling overwhelmed by magazine covers, TV shows, and later, social media. We’d see these flawless faces and bodies and wonder why we didn’t look like that. But as we’ve grown older and worked with clients, we’ve realized something incredibly liberating: the journey to self-acceptance isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Of course we still have days where we don’t feel our best, and that’s okay. But we’ve learned to love our bodies for what they are (flaws and all). It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing your individuality and accepting that you, in all your imperfect beauty, are enough.
The Mental Health Connection
When we talk about body image and beauty standards, we also have to acknowledge the significant toll it can take on our mental health. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are often linked to negative body image. Constantly comparing yourself to others on social media can fuel feelings of inadequacy and shame. If you’re struggling with how you feel about your body, please know that it’s not something you have to handle alone.
It’s essential to create a supportive environment for yourself, both online and offline. Consider following accounts that promote body positivity, self-love, and diversity. Spend less time comparing and more time celebrating your uniqueness. And, most importantly, allow yourself the space to just be—without the pressure to fit someone else’s idea of beauty.
Building a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
If you’re feeling like social media is getting to be too much, it’s okay to take a step back. Setting boundaries can help you regain control over how you consume content. Here are some practical steps you can try:
Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that uplift you and make you feel good about yourself. Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger negative thoughts or comparisons.
Limit Time Online: Set specific times during the day to check social media, and stick to them. When you limit your exposure, it’s easier to focus on the present moment and real-world connections.
Post for Yourself: Share what feels authentic to you. Don’t worry about likes or followers. Think about how you want to express yourself. It’s about your voice, your experience, and your identity.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, just as you would to a friend. Speak to yourself with love and understanding, especially when you’re feeling down about your appearance.
Final Thoughts
Body image isn’t just about how we look—it’s about how we feel about ourselves. Social media might shape how we view beauty, but it doesn’t define our worth. Your beauty, inside and out, is not contingent upon the standards set by others. It’s rooted in the acceptance of who you are (imperfections and all).
If you ever feel like the pressure is too much, remember that you can create a healthier relationship with yourself and with social media. Therapy can also be a powerful tool in helping you navigate these feelings and discover a more authentic, self-compassionate way to see your body.
You deserve to feel good in your own skin. Start today—because you are already enough.
Take care of yourself.
