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https://theconversation.com/we-have-all-heard-social-media-can-impact-womens-body-image-but-it-isnt-all-bad-205214>
"The “Cost of Beauty”, a short video recently released by global beauty brand
Dove, highlights the damaging effects of social media on young womens’ body
image and self esteem. It forms part of a wider campaign that raises awareness
about the devastating effects of social media on young women’s mental and
physical health.
It is clear social media can negatively affect women’s relationships with their
bodies, but our recent research revealed a more complex and nuanced picture.
More than a decade of research has shown that unrealistic beauty standards, the
rise of “fitspiration”, body shaming and online gender-based violence, are
having a significant impact on young women.
That said, social media users are not naive about the toxic beauty ideals being
promoted across digital platforms.
Our research found that women were very aware of the risks and vulnerabilities
associated with using social media. And women were developing habits and online
communities to counter these negative elements.
We focused on the emergence of “#fitspo” (short for “fitspiration”) content –
think rippling six pack, sweaty sports bra, and smiling face mid-workout.
Despite being seemingly health positive, one of the consequences of
fitspiration is that women now experience pressures to be both thin and fit.
Increasingly, many women and girls actively avoid these online spaces, while
others find support, inspiration and even care in these online communities."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
