Social media has become a much bigger part of our daily lives in many areas. This is especially true for our perceptions of our bodies, beauty standards, and lifestyles. In this period when social media use has increased, you may have noticed that our perception of beauty is not the same as it was in the past and that it has changed. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can be considered some of the most commonly used social media platforms today. The photos and short videos, also known as “reels,” shared on these platforms play a major role in changing people’s perceptions of beauty and creating new standards. Since these new standards do not fit every individual, they may make people unhappy and encourage them to compare themselves with others, especially those who spend a lot of time on social media.
The creation of certain beauty standards can have negative effects on society. It can make people focus too much on the appearance of their bodies, while also exposing them to positive messages about cosmetic procedures. Social media may use different strategies to influence individuals. Contrary to what is commonly believed, social media does not affect only women. It can negatively affect both men and women. Age is also an important factor. Changes in body and beauty perceptions can begin during childhood and may continue into adulthood, sometimes causing psychological difficulties. These changes can strongly affect the body-related pressure and anxiety experienced by young women and men, especially those in their early twenties.
As a result of these experiences, individuals may face various psychological disorders (Öztürk, 2002). One of these disorders is called Body Dysmorphic Disorder. So, let’s take a closer look at what Body Dysmorphic Disorder is.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), also known as body image disorder, can be defined as a condition in which a person believes that they have a physical defect in their appearance that does not actually exist, focuses excessively on this perceived defect, or sees an existing physical feature as much worse than it really is (APA, 2000).
The term “dysmorphia” was first used in the 1880s by the Italian psychiatrist Enrico Morselli. The word dysmorphia comes from the Greek word “dismorfia,” meaning ugliness.
A person may think that they are ugly or do not look attractive. They may constantly complain about their appearance and want to change it. The “perfect bodies and faces” seen on social media should not become our standard for beauty. Comparing ourselves with others is a natural part of human behavior. This can be related to Social Comparison Theory. We should not define our own value by comparing ourselves with other people. Otherwise, comparison and dissatisfaction may become a regular part of our lives.
Research shows that these concerns often involve minor or imaginary defects, especially those related to the face. Common concerns may involve the face, nose, lips, hair, or genitals. These concerns can also change depending on age. For example, skin problems may be more common among adolescents, while adults may experience more concerns about their bodies.
Between 68% and 98% of people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder experience concerns about more than one part of their body. The average number of body areas that patients consider defective and focus on excessively has been reported as 5–7.
Conclusion
There has been a significant increase in the number of individuals experiencing body image problems along with the effects of social media. As mentioned before, body image problems can occur at any age and in any gender. Unfortunately, beauty and body standards on social media are among the major factors that can contribute to the development of these negative perceptions.
With the normalization and promotion of cosmetic procedures, people may begin to believe that they can get rid of their perceived flaws through these procedures. For men, negative body image may be more focused on achieving a muscular appearance. Unfortunately, social pressures can make men who do not have “enough” muscle or an “ideal” body weight feel defective.
However, I believe that every individual is perfect in their own way, including their imperfections. Instead of describing our imperfections as ugliness, we should learn to accept them. Every person’s weight, facial features, and height are unique to them. Everyone is unique and special in their own way. In an age when social media is such an important part of our lives, continuing to be ourselves is something truly unique.
Kaynakça
- Aslan H. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Review. Düşünen Adam 2000; 13:33–41. Göksan B. Body Image and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Adolescents (Specialization Thesis). Istanbul, Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, 2007.
- Ray P. Ç., Demirkol M. E. & Tamam L. (2012). Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 4(4): 547–565.
- Tiggeman, M., Hayden, S., Brown, Z. & Veldhuis, J. (2018). The effect of Instagram “likes” on women’s social comparison and body dissatisfaction. Body Image, 26, 90–97.