How Social Media's Unrealistic Portrayals Exacerbate Pressure on Women
Societal beauty standards are nothing new. The method by which those standards are imposed, however, keeps evolving. Today, more than ever, the pressure to perfect is directly imposed on people wherever they are. This is particularly true for girls and women. They have always been the primary target of such programming. Highlight reels, influencers, algorithms, and more — the machinery is more sophisticated, and the price paid gets higher and higher.
Girls and women everywhere are trying to live their lives, but are being told that they are not enough. Whether it is their body image, their confidence as a mother, or their ability to balance all the unrealistic expectations, women suffer immensely under the influence of social media.
How Social Media's Unrealistic Portrayals Exacerbate Pressure on Women
If an evil villain in a feature film were tasked with decreasing the confidence of women all over the world, they would need look no further than existing digital structures. Algorithms and hashtags are a simple, available engine through which advertisers can reach and influence “consumers.” They can ensure that people encounter very specific content that creates artificially constructed needs and wants.
Such a system influences users to embrace the “highlight reel” approach. They curate their profiles to only feature carefully created and chosen content that presents an illusion of perfection. Aiming this paradigm at young girls turns them into lifelong consumers who will never achieve the elusive, unrealistic standards being set.
As a result, on social media, women often:
Succumb to impossible standards
Struggle with low self-esteem, chronic social comparisons, eating disorders, depression, appearance anxiety, and more
Objectify themselves (and others)
Get targeted by bullying and body shaming
Unwittingly become an unpaid PR team for the system that is harming them
The Real-Life Impact of Social Media's Unrealistic Portrayals
Adding to the insidious nature of this structure is the impact of the “like.” Studies find that when a post we make gets “likes,” the reward center in our brain activates. This virtually guarantees that we will continue posting with an eye on replicating the type of content that garnered us a reward. For teens and young adults, this can dramatically shape how they choose to navigate the world of social interactions.
Conversely, when a woman’s content is not “liked,” it creates a negative feedback loop. One study found that the mere act of posting selfies induces a negative mood — regardless of the reactions. On top of that, women who have grown up using social media have reported a much higher desire for cosmetic surgery.
Can Social Media Be Used Safely?
The short answer, for now, is “yes.” However, a big part of this involves self-imposed limits and boundaries, e.g.
Limit social media usage to a very specific period every day
Use apps to cut off access once your chosen daily limits have been met
Consciously delete anyone or any page that inspires negative feelings or thoughts of self-harm
Simultaneously, you must find balance by seeking ways to feel joyful and fulfilled beyond anything digital. Meet friends and family in person. Maximize your time outdoors — especially when it involves physical activity. Take up new hobbies that do not require a phone or other device.
When Social Media Becomes Too Much
It is easier said than done to limit one’s use of a medium that has addictive qualities. That is why so many women have chosen to work with a psychologist. Your sessions are where you explore the underlying reasons for how you feel and the steps you can take to thrive in new ways. If social media has become a negative drag on your daily life, please reach out soon to one of our doctors.
