The Implications of Social Media & Beauty Standards on Mental Health; Learning How To Scroll Productively.

An article published in @Widthmagazine 

Like many things in life, social-media and the beauty industry are plagued by both good and bad. It would be unfair to dismiss social media and the realm of the fashion and beauty industry, without acknowledging how it can be a place for celebration; a place to share uniqueness; create business opportunities and much more. Whilst social-media seems to be slightly evolving and moving in the right direction, towards a more ‘real’- inclusive representation of beauty; The harrowing truth with figures to match cannot, sadly be ignored. We all have a responsibility to use social-media in a healthier way, not just for other people but also for our own mental well being.

Whether you’re aware of the “sting of body-inadequacy when scanning through” social-media (Ormerod) or it feeds into your brain subconsciously and taints your self-esteem and thoughts, later to come- it feels like quite a universal feeling that most, mainly young women can relate to. Taking photos, posting photos, waiting for likes, scrolling for hours, stalking influencers… These are all habits we’ve become accustomed to. It’s been studied that “The average millennial will turn their phone camera on themselves over 25,000 times over their lifetime” (Ormerod) and I fear that’s even more for the generations after. Smartphones have now given us unlimited 24-hour access to consumer goods, other people’s life’s and of course, a front facing camera. This technology and everything that comes with it, has emphasised and encouraged the ideology that you’re defined by what’s on the outside. The modern person is now more body conscious and beauty aware than ever before. It’s important to recognise that the beauty industry and the likes of Instagram profit from your insecurities and it’s been like that since the first razor AD in 1917. These companies will not tell you that the secret to feeling and looking beautiful, is by loving what’s on the inside first and becoming at one with yourself. So, the next time you begin to question your worth whilst scrolling, remember you’re feeding into the never-ending abyss of self-hatred; instead remind yourself that you are enough.

“One of the most radical acts under capitalism is

to simply love yourself.” (Florence Given)

If you’re frequently chasing after happiness or self-love, believing the next outfit, next comment or next beauty product will make this happen, you’re going to be running for the rest of your life. Don’t get me wrong, looking nice and buying nice things can have a positive impact momentarily however, it’s whether you’re doing these things for yourself or for outside validation, where it becomes problematic and, in some cases, dangerous. Basing any belief or thought on outside opinions or lack-of, will have you on a constant roller-coaster of self-doubt, and self-loathing. If you are the person that’s constantly seeking outside validation or feeling inadequate, when coming off of Instagram, then this is the perfect time to delete or deactivate any app or anything in your life that’s making you feel this way. Comparison or judgment are often tell-tale signs of self-esteem issues, or inner turmoil that hasn’t been resolved. Self-love has often been disguised as face masks, beauty treatments, hot baths, shaving and so on. When in fact, real self-love is taking time away for yourself and conquering your inner demons no matter how painful or difficult it is. Being able to scroll online, free of comparison and judgment but full of celebration and happiness for other people is the goal.

As Florence Given states, “stop scrolling in the mornings”. Your brain is most impressionable just before you fall asleep and as soon as you wake up, so picking up your phone for a morning scroll and having your brain hounded with gorgeous selfies, holiday pictures, beauty ads, all of the above and more, is not a good way to start your day. To use social media productively means to start with your own internal thoughts first; challenge yourself to recognise and celebrate people of all colours, shapes, sizes, anybody that previously didn’t fit your beauty standards. Celebrate uniqueness and all different kinds of beauty, including your own. If you find your ego taking front seat, when looking at someone else’s photo and you feel the twang of jealousy or inadequacy, use empowerment or words of kindness to counteract these thoughts, whether it’s towards the person or to yourself. Unfollowing, blocking and removing anything/anyone that doesn’t add value to your life is a MUST! It’s not rude or personal if you’re doing it for yourself. Limit your screen time and spend the extra time falling in love with who you are instead. There is no limit to beauty and there is no such things as ‘perfect’. Drown the loudness of the media and modern life out; become the bad bitch you know you are and love her whole heartedly.