Social media can be a great tool for growth and connecting with new and old friends! But, if we’re being honest, it has ruined our societal perception of what “beauty” means. With a focus on filters, face tuning, blemish removal, and more, it can be almost impossible to tell the difference between a natural, unedited photo and a heavily photoshopped one. 

This is perpetuated by an unrealistic beauty standard set by corporations that earn billions of dollars selling you the next diet fad or cure-all beauty product. Which, nine times out of ten – don’t work. So, how do we learn to love our bodies at a time when society dictates what is and isn’t beautiful?

By remembering a few key details when scrolling through our social media feeds:

Did you know that only 5% of people in the world look like the body you’ve compared yourself to on social media?

If only 5% of people actually look the way they’re portrayed online, that means 95% are using some form of photoshopping on their pictures. Now, I’m not saying that Photoshop can’t be a useful tool. But it’s important to remember that it’s a tool, not a requirement.

Everyone has insecurities that they would rather not broadcast to the entire world. That’s normal. So why does it feel like everyone is trying to ignore what makes them unique and quietly blend in with the rest of the crowd?

Peer pressure, for one thing. We want to be liked by those same peers who pressure us to fit into unrealistic beauty standards. Because of this, I can promise you that the girl you compare yourself to on social media, who seems to have the perfect life – doesn’t. 

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have and comparing yourself to what you ‘think’ you know about someone else’s life, let’s create a safe and fun online community where users can feel confident in their bodies! Life is hard enough as a woman; we don’t need to put each other down in the process. Empowerment can be an incredibly powerful thing, and you never know who you might help with a little love and some kind words sprinkled throughout the comment section on Instagram. 

Be Kind to Yourself! 

Hint: You cannot hate your body into a version you love. 

Girl…stop being so hard on yourself! The comparison game will get you nowhere.

We’ve all been there. One time or another, we’ve all stood in the mirror and picked ourselves apart because of an Instagram model’s vacation bikini pic. Or had a complete mental breakdown when trying on the latest fashion trends that don’t fit our bodies how we want them to. 

I know it’s hard. I know how easy it is to slip into a negative mindset with our bodies and go down a path that isn’t healthy mentally or physically. But you’ll never feel confident or happy in your own skin until you change how you speak and think about yourself. 

Your body is built to do hard things. To get you through the bad times and help you celebrate the good ones. You wouldn’t talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself in those moments, would you? No. Next time you’re scrolling through social media, wishing you were someone else, try changing your mindset.

 Speak to yourself like someone you love.

Key Tips for Building a Healthier Relationship with Social Media:

1. Be kind to yourself. Authenticity is the best beauty standard there is.
2. Don’t play the comparison game. You are special and unique! 
3. Choose to spread kindness to yourself and others across social media.
4. Remember your natural beauty doesn’t diminish if you use a filter on a photo.
5. Allow yourself to feel confident and love your body in all its forms!
6. Take a break from social media every once in a while. It’s good for the soul. 
7. Unfollow or mute accounts/friends/family that make you second guess your beauty, intelligence, and contribute to comparison.

I’d love to hear your favorite ways to feel confident both on and off social media in the comments below!