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Katelyn R. Cress

Professor James Dunham

English 1201

14 April 2019

Social Media: Damaging Social Comparison and an Adverse Impact on Mental Health

Have you ever felt your confidence plummet after looking at a photograph of a

beautiful model whilst scrolling through Instagram? With social media sustaining such

influence in society, why am I not yet desensitized to attractive Instagram users with

thin, sculpted bodies broadcasting their picture-perfect lifestyles? In consequence, I am

forced to confront self-evaluation predicated on the appearance and social contentment

of others through image-based social media platforms such as Instagram. Many young

women have taken to social media platforms such as Twitter to articulate how

Instagram has triggered social comparison. Amanda Sinishtaj reveals, “I deleted

Instagram off my phone for a nice cleanse. One day in and I already feel better..feels

weird not comparing myself to like 10 different women”. Many women were able to

relate, and were subsequently in overwhelming agreement with Sinishtaj. Alexa

responded, “Girl, yes!! I did this about a week ago and I feel so much better about

myself, no unnecessary comparisons here!!”. Seemingly, women are going as far to

remove the image-based social media application from their phones to avoid

unnecessary comparisons as young women in particular maintain image-based media

platforms such as Instagram make them feel inferior in comparison to ‘more attractive’

women.
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In a social media driven world, a vast majority of our lives are broadcast on social

networking sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Social media users,

Instagram users in particular, have been driven to evaluate their own self-worth based

on images of their peers, celebrities and other social media influencers. What many

Instagram users are not aware of is the extent of photo manipulation that goes into

creating a picture-perfect photograph. Some of the images regarded as goal-worthy on

the image-based app are Photoshopped or heavily-doctored, thus promoting unrealistic

expectations for susceptible adolescents and young adults. While social media can

allow individuals to build and maintain relationships, social media use can encourage

social comparison, promote body dissatisfaction and have adverse impacts mental

health. Moreover, there is a relationship between social media use and body

dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders. Social media use has the potential to have

detrimental consequences on body image and mental health.

First and foremost, it is crucial to establish what body dysmorphic disorder is and

emphasize its role in the relationship between social media and negative body image.

WebMD suggests that, “Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a distinct mental disorder in

which a person is preoccupied with an imagined physical defect or a minor defect that

others cannot see”. WebMD adds, “As a result, people with this disorder see

themselves as “ugly” and often avoid social exposure”. With the prevalence of social

media, those with BDD are considerably more at risk of becoming isolated and avoidant

of social exposure as social media enables individuals to connect without social contact.

Now, imagine you already struggle with body image and your social media pages are
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saturated with society’s perception of a perfectly sculpted body. Social comparison for

those with BDD is ubiquitous and subsequently damaging to self-image.

Body dysmorphic disorder has also been shown to directly influence symptoms

of depression and anxiety. According to Anxiety and Depression Association of

America, “People with BDD commonly suffer from anxiety disorders such as social

anxiety disorder, as well as other disorders such as depression, eating disorders, or

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)”. In consequence, those with BDD are even more

susceptible to such disorders. Moreover, an avoidance of social situations may derive

from feeling ashamed of one’s physical appearance and, “is similar to the behavior of

some people with social anxiety disorder” (Anxiety and Depression Association of

America). The potential avoidance of social situations is only exasperated by the

sovereignty of social media’s societal dominance.

There are often misconceptions regarding eating disorders, the most prominent

fallacy being that disorders such as BDD are exclusive to women. In his article entitled,

“Instagram's Influence on Body Image,” Ricky Derisz conveys his own struggles with

body image and masculinity. Accordingly, Derisz gives emphasis to the susceptibility of

men to BDD and other eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Dr. William Rhys

Jones, “of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ eating disorders faculty, told The

Guardian, “Pressure for body perfection is on the rise for men of all ages, which is a risk

factor for developing an eating disorder”” (Derisz). The unrelenting pressure to meet

society’s expectations of body appearance is only enhanced by the prevalence of social

media and endless social comparison. For men, body expectations frequently concern

having a muscular, sculpted body. Dr. William Rhys Jones adds that, “Images of
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unhealthy male body ideals in the media place unnecessary pressure on vulnerable

people who strive for acceptance through the way they look” (Derisz).

While Instagram is not the primary instigator of body image issues, harmful body

perceptions are enhanced by frequent image-based social media use. Derisz expresses

that while, “All social media sites have a potentially detrimental effect on the way we

feel, Instagram, with its heavy focus on imagery has a particularly negative impact on

one specific area: body image”. Instagram is widely accepted as a platform for

broadcasting the most physically flattering images of our bodies and flaunting our

physical appearance. Think back to all of the times prior to posting a picture to

Instagram when your friend has said, “Do not post that picture! My thighs look huge,” or

“Wait. Cut me out of this photo, my stomach looks awful.” Consequently, many photos

posted on Instagram are produced in the sense that the majority are captured at the

most flattering angles with complimentary filters applied to enhance an individual’s

attractiveness. According to Derisz, “Instagram is a heavily-filtered reflection of a culture

that objectifies, sexualizes and commodifies the human body, while promoting

unattainable and unrealistic standards of what beauty is”. Moreover, it is explicable why

those who frequent Instagram may feel pressure to achieve what is ‘popular’ regarding

body image and beauty status. Often, the most ‘liked’ image is the physical appearance

most sought-after.

According to the New York Post article entitled, “Instagram Can Wreck Positive

Body Image in Just 30 Minutes,” and per recent research, “as little as half an hour a day

spent browsing Instagram can make women fixate negatively on their weight and

appearance”. The study found that, “the more participants looked at so-called “fitness
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inspiration” images or compared themselves to celebrities such as Kendall Jenner or

Karlie Kloss, the unhappier they felt about their own bodies” (New York Post). In

consequence, negative body image issues derived from social media use are especially

damaging to self-esteem and mental health as individuals are left feeling insufficient, or

not enough. Accordingly, body comparison can be relentless, “with little understanding

of how detrimental it is for self-esteem and mental health” (New York Post). The most

damaging component of Instagram is that an inability to meet the criteria of so-called

“fitness inspirations,” and models can encourage body dissatisfaction, thus promoting

eating disorders and worsening disorders such as BDD.

It is essential to identify the role social comparison plays in body dissatisfaction

and negative self-image. According to Psychology Today, Social Comparison Theory

suggests that individuals determine their social value and self-worth based on how they

compare to others. Moreover, image-based social media sites such as Instagram can

be detrimental to social comparison. Psychology Today suggests that, “The fascination

with celebrity culture and prevalence of social media has only exacerbated the problem

of social comparison, exposing people to endless potential comparisons, many of whom

appear perfect online”. Those who frequent social media platforms such as Instagram

frequently share, or post, the most attractive aspects of their lives, encouraging social

comparison. As a result, it becomes second nature for those who frequent the app to

associate self-worth with how they stack up to others. But, surprise! We are more than

what we look like and how our bodies appear on Instagram.

When identifying the negative relationship between social media use and body

image, it is important to recognize that, “body image issues rise in the space between
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how our bodies really are, and the projection of what our bodies should be” (Derisz). An

individual’s criteria for a so-called, “perfect body,” is predicated on what that individual

perceives on social media as a faultless or picture-perfect body. Instagram is especially

harmful as the app flaunts a stream of people with seemingly perfect bodies. As a

consequence, a vicious cycle “of comparison and negative self-perception” is

constructed. An insightful quote is eloquently articulated by Derisz: “Beauty standards

defy human nature because they are devised to be unattainable”.

Derisz includes anonymous quotes from friends who have shared their

experiences on body image: One anonymous female source confesses, “I end up

comparing myself to the women I see online, and I feel even worse.”

Not only has Instagram has been branded the, “most damaging social network

for mental health,” but the app makes women compare themselves against, “unrealistic,

largely curated, filtered and Photoshopped versions of reality” (New York Post). Alas, it

is not only the content of Instagram that is damaging to body image, but how

authenticity is falsely conveyed on the app. Women are essentially competing with

distorted versions of reality.

The Photoshopping of images on social media sites, Instagram in particular, can

potentially distort the perception of what is considered to be a healthy body. The

prevalence of heavily-doctored images on Instagram has exacerbated negative social

comparison in relation to body image issues. Adolescents and young adults in particular

can form distorted perceptions and ideas about their own body proportions as a

consequence of viewing heavily-edited images on Instagram. This can subsequently

lead to individuals attempting to emulate body types and proportions that are altered or
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distorted. Unfortunately, these false representations of body appearance on social

media can make adolescents and young adults more susceptible to developing an

eating disorder, or more reactive to an eating disorder they already have. More notably,

those who suffer from BDD prior to being exposed to heavily-doctored images are even

more affected and prone to react to triggering photos.

All of this leads to one concerning question: why do individuals deem it

necessary to distort their bodies to create the appearance a smaller waistline, curvier

silhouette, enhanced butt, slimmer jawline and so on? This harmful trend is more than

editing out a blemish or applying a filter, individuals are re-shaping and sculpting their

bodies by means of Photoshop. Are beauty standards and body expectations supported

by society to blame? Or, do those who participate in Photoshopping contribute to the

toxic cycle for reasons that concern their own issues with BDD and negative body

image?

Here is a compelling post about body perception versus reality on social media,

credited to poster u/hiittrainer of r/InstagramReality on Reddit.

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This striking side by side comparison illuminates the excessive extent to which

body appearance can be manipulated on social media as the poster reveals the two

images were taken thirty seconds apart. The Instagram versus reality comparison

exposes the potential for body disparities between social media and reality. The image

comparison was created for the poster’s article entitled, “How Fitness Has Become A

Digital Lie”.

While some may argue social media allows individuals to build and sustain

connections, social media platforms do not always portray an individual’s most authentic

self. Social media can debilitate developing authentic connections, thus making it hard

to authenticate genuine relationships. My primary question is: how can we relate to

someone when we can only perceive what they want us to?

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Another prevalent issue with social media sites such as Instagram is the concept

of a curated lifestyle, or curated content put out in order to portray an intended lifestyle

to the public. In turn, the most appealing aspects of an individual’s life are posted on

social media and accompanied by captions that emphasize a particular lifestyle. A

curated social media feed, such as an Instagram feed, depicts what persona that

individual wants to convey to their audience. Most individuals want to broadcast the

most attractive or engaging version of themselves across social media platforms, and

convey what they believe others will find interesting and ultimately ‘like’. Unfortunately,

this leads individuals to draw unhealthy comparisons between their life and that of a

social media influencer who incessantly posts beautiful, appealing images on

Instagram.

According to Derisz, “Due to the user-driven dynamic of Instagram, there is an

expectation Instagram is authentic”. While some may argue the clout of Instagram and

promotion of unhealthy body standards is equivalent to the sovereignty of other media

outlets, such as magazines, there are sufficient contrasts between the platforms.

In her article entitled, “The Impact of Instagram on Our Body Image,” Kendyl

Barney explores the media portrayal of women. Barney eloquently articulates, “Plot

twist: It’s not just magazines and Victoria’s Secret ads anymore”. When tackling the

discrepancy between Instagram and other media outlets, and their impact on social

comparisons, it is paramount to focus on what is being promoted and how. Barney

articulates, “Social media is threatening on a new level as it gives the impression of

normality”. Individuals are encouraged to believe the curated lifestyles presented to

them are not only attainable but authentic. This mindset can be particularly damaging to
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self-image, body appearance and social comparison. When you perceive a picture on

Instagram, it often gives the impression of being candid. Furthermore, “This gives the

illusion that the images are not professional, their subjects not altered or photoshopped

beyond the adding of a filter” (Barney). Most notably, this suggests that these women

appear this way in reality which is not always accurate. Ultimately, this forces the

concept of a singular type of beauty into the minds of all women who perceive it

(Barney).

Barney eloquently adds, “When we look at women on magazine covers, we can

protect ourselves from their impact with the knowledge that they are photoshopped,

airbrushed, and altered in all too many ways”. That sense of protection is lost through

the artificial promotion of authenticity on Instagram. When we are overrun with photos of

individuals who are “just like us” on Instagram, we no longer have that protection

(Barney). Moreover, benefiting from Instagram’s superficial authenticity to spread

unattainable beauty standards is fallacious and misleading (Derisz). Social media

platforms, Instagram in particular, are sold as a fabricated sense of reality as they

promote a false impression of normality and authenticity.

The deceptive nature prevalent on social media platforms, Instagram in

particular, enhances idealistic body expectations and unattainable beauty standards.

With excessive Photoshop becoming more prevalent, men and women are reshaping

their body proportions and drastically altering their appearances. As a result, there is an

enhanced risk that young women and men will attempt to emulate these distorted body

types.
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Would we all benefit from a nice cleanse from Instagram? While simply hitting the

‘unfollow’ button on individuals who promote body dissatisfaction and removing the app

from your phone will not eliminate body image issues, this approach has been shown to

be a step in the right direction.

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Works Cited

Barney, Kendyl. “The Impact of Instagram On Our Body Image.” The Odyssey
Online, 13 Nov. 2017, www.theodysseyonline.com/impact-instagram-
body-image.
“Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).” Anxiety and Depression Association of

America, ADAA, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-

related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd. Accessed on 7 April

2019.

“Instagram Can Wreck Positive Body Image in Just 30 Minutes.” New York Post,

New York Post, 4 September 2017, nypost.com/2017/09/04/instagram-

can-wreck-positive-body-image-in-just-30-minutes/. Accessed on 7 April

2019.

Derisz, Ricky. “Instagram's Influence on Body Image.” MindThatEgo, 26 January

2019, www.mindthatego.com/instagram-influence-body-image-part-1/.

Accessed on 7 April 2019.

“Mental Health: Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” WebMD, WebMD,

www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-body-dysmorphic-

disorder#1. Accessed on 7 April 2019.

“r/Instagramreality - Before and After Taken about 30 Seconds Apart. Created for

an Article I'm Writing ‘How Fitness Has Become A Digital Lie’ Thought It

Was Fitting Here.” Reddit, 2018,

www.reddit.com/r/Instagramreality/comments/a1b8ul/before_and_after_ta

ken_about_30_seconds_apart/. Accessed on 7 April 2019.

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Sinishtaj, Amanda (amandasinishtaj). “I deleted Instagram off my phone for a

nice cleanse. one day in and I already feel better.. feels weird not

comparing myself to like 10 different women.” 18 March 2019, 10:18 PM.

Tweet. https://twitter.com/amandasinishtaj/status/1107813515455279105.

Accessed on 14 April 2019.

Alexa (withlove_alexa). “Girl, yes! I did this about a week ago and I feel so much

better about myself, no unnecessary comparisons here!!” 18 March 2019,

10:19 PM. Tweet.

https://twitter.com/withlove_alexa/status/1107813836227268608.

Accessed on 14 April 2019.

“Social Comparison Theory.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 2019,

www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-comparison-theory. Accessed
on 7 April 2019.