Everywhere we turn — on our screens, in magazines, on social media — we’re bombarded with images that define what’s considered “beautiful.” But who decides these beauty standards, and at what cost? The media has long played a powerful role in shaping our perceptions of body image, often promoting unrealistic ideals that can fuel self-doubt, body dissatisfaction, and even eating disorders. As photo filters, AI-generated images, and perfectly curated social feeds become the norm, the pressure to meet impossible beauty standards has never been greater. So, how exactly does the media influence the way we see ourselves, and what can we do to foster a healthier perspective?

The Media’s Role in Shaping Beauty Standards

Culture has long dictated standards of beauty, and these ideals shift across time periods and societies. While some cultures value curvier body types, others promote thinness as the pinnacle of attractiveness. However, in 21st-century America, the media has become one of the most influential forces in shaping and reinforcing these cultural expectations.

As photo filters, AI-generated images, and perfectly curated social feeds become the norm, the pressure to meet impossible beauty standards has never been greater.

From a young age, we are bombarded with images that suggest we must be thin, youthful, and flawless to be considered beautiful. The pervasiveness of these messages makes it difficult to avoid internalizing unrealistic beauty standards, particularly for women, who are disproportionately affected by media-driven body ideals. Research confirms that repeated exposure to unattainable beauty norms increases body dissatisfaction, which can lead to harmful behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and even the development of eating disorders.

Social Comparison Theory and Body Dissatisfaction

Social comparison is a psychological process in which individuals evaluate themselves against others, either upwardly or downwardly. Upward comparisons occur when people compare themselves to those who are perceived as more attractive or successful, while downward comparisons involve comparing oneself to someone perceived as worse off. Women who frequently engage in upward social comparisons are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction, especially when their reference points are the seemingly perfect bodies displayed in the media.

A concerning trend is the desire to imitate celebrity body types without understanding the extreme and often unhealthy measures used to achieve them. Many actors, models, and influencers undergo rigorous fitness routines, strict diets, and even digital editing to appear flawless. As Medium blogger Shelby Smith points out, distinguishing between a healthy lifestyle and harmful dieting practices is crucial, as excessive gym time, high-protein diets, and severe caloric restriction can lead to serious health complications when not supervised by professionals.

Social Media’s Impact on Body Image

Increased social media exposure has also taken a toll on our body image. Statista reports that we spend an average of over two hours per day on social media, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat becoming major contributors to body dissatisfaction. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has identified social networking sites as risk factors for poor body image and eating disorders, particularly among teenage girls. The constant exposure to carefully curated and often edited images can lead to:

  • Body shame and low self-esteem
  • Body dysmorphia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Increased likelihood of developing an eating disorder

Social media platforms also allow for direct comparisons, as users frequently measure their appearance against influencers and peers. The widespread use of photo-editing apps like Facetune and Snapchat filters exacerbates the issue by presenting a distorted reality, making it even more difficult to differentiate between authentic and digitally altered images.

Media and Eating Disorders

The impact of media exposure on eating disorders is well-documented. Studies have shown that media consumption is a predictor of:

  • Disordered eating symptoms
  • Body dissatisfaction
  • A heightened drive for thinness
  • An increased likelihood of engaging in purging behaviors

A Paediatrics Child Health study found that girls aged 9 to 14 who strongly desired to look like celebrities were more likely to initiate purging at least once a month. As actresses and models have become thinner over time, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder have also increased. The media’s portrayal of unrealistic body types continues to be a significant factor in the rise of these conditions.

Promoting Positive Body Image in Media

While much of the media’s influence on body image has been negative, there have been promising efforts to promote body positivity and healthier standards of beauty in recent years. Campaigns like Dove’s Real Beauty campaign celebrate natural body variations and encourage confidence in women of all shapes and sizes. Similarly, backed by Vogue Worldwide, the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) Health Initiative seeks to support individuals vulnerable to eating disorders by promoting healthier body images in magazines and runway shows.

While much of the media’s influence on body image has been negative, there have been promising efforts to promote body positivity and healthier standards of beauty in recent years. 

Although these initiatives are a step in the right direction, more work is needed to ensure that television, film, and advertising industries represent diverse body types and prioritize health over unattainable beauty standards.

Becoming a Critical Consumer of Media

Given the overwhelming influence of media on body image, it is essential to develop a critical approach to consuming media content. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) suggests the following strategies for fostering a healthier relationship with media:

  • Recognize that most media images are digitally altered and unrealistic.
  • Limit social media consumption to reduce exposure to harmful content.
  • Follow body-positive influencers who promote self-acceptance.
  • Practice self-compassion and challenge negative self-talk.
  • Advocate for media literacy education in schools to help young people analyze and question beauty standards.

Building a Healthy Body Image 

According to research published by the American Psychological Association, teens and young adults who reduced social media use by 50% experienced significant improvements in how they felt about their appearance. 

Limiting social media use and being mindful about the media you consume are important steps toward building a healthier body image. Consider the following strategies to improve how you feel about yourself:

  • Make a list of your positive attributes, skills, and talents to appreciate your whole self.
  • Focus on valuing and respecting what your body is capable of.
  • Set health-focused goals that prioritize a non-diet approach.
  • Avoid comparing yourself to others; instead, embrace what makes you unique.
  • Remember that many media images are altered or digitally generated.
  • Understand that weight loss isn’t the solution — issues of self-worth run deeper than the number on the scale.

Ultimately, seeking professional help to address the root causes of your struggles is the most effective treatment.

Seeking Support for Body Image Issues

Overcoming negative body image and disordered eating is not just about willpower — it’s about finding the right support and tools to heal. If you or a loved one is struggling with body dissatisfaction, compulsive eating, or the impact of social and media pressures, help is available.

At The Meadows Seasons, our Residential Eating Disorder Program provides expert, whole-person treatment tailored to your unique needs. With 24/7 medical and therapeutic support, trauma-informed care, and a compassionate team specializing in eating disorders and co-occurring conditions, we create a safe and structured path to lasting recovery and help prevent relapse.

Healing is possible. Take the first step today — because a healthier relationship with your body, food, and self is within reach.

Contact us now to learn more about our residential program.