Body image is how we think and feel about our own body. It is a core part of our self-esteem. In today's world, our perception of our bodies is heavily influenced by the image
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-16
Introduction
Body image is how we think and feel about our own body. It is a core part of our self-esteem. In today's world, our perception of our bodies is heavily influenced by the images we see all around us, and no source of imagery is more powerful or pervasive than social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created a visual culture that often promotes narrow and unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to a widespread crisis of body dissatisfaction, particularly among young people. This article examines the profound impact of social media on body image and explores ways to cultivate a healthier relationship with our bodies in the digital age.
Learning objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:
- Define body image and understand that it is a perception, not a fact.
- Explain how social media promotes unrealistic appearance ideals.
- Understand the role of photo-editing apps, filters, and influencers in shaping these ideals.
- Analyse the specific risks associated with "fitspiration" and diet culture content.
- Identify strategies for building a more positive body image and a healthier social media feed.
The Unrealistic Ideals of the Social Media World
Traditional media, like magazines and television, has long been criticised for promoting narrow beauty standards. Social media has taken this to a new level. Our feeds are saturated with images of influencers, celebrities, and even peers who present a seemingly perfect appearance. For women, this often means being extremely thin but also curvy in specific ways (the "slim-thick" ideal), with flawless skin and perfect features. For men, the pressure is often to be tall, muscular, and lean. …