Does Your Social Media Feed Need A Body-Acceptance Revamp?

By Lauren Rearick


there's a good chance good that your  social media eats now are filled with memes, your friends’ selfies, adorable animals, and everything you love. Yet, keeping close tabs on your best friend’s seemingly picture-perfect spring break or following and also your fave celeb’s photoshoot adventures isn’t routinely as harmless as you think. It can feel like you’re supposed to keep up with every post, however all that scrolling can be detrimental to your self-confidence and your mental health.


In a 2016 study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the use of social media apps was directly linked to an increase in negative body image. One of the study’s authors, Brian A. Primack, M.D., Ph.D., Explained that constant exposure to images, especially those on social media that don’t habitually present an accurate portrayal of the poster’s body or life, can possibly encourage negative thoughts on body image. Given that 30 million Residents of the United States will deal with a consuming food disorder at some point in their life, the often impossible body image common set by filtered pictures or artfully posed selfies could negatively influence how someone views their own body, even if that's not the objective of the poster.


Thankfully, a couple of folks are doing the key work to disrupt unattainable standards of aesthetics by simply posting themselves and the people they love as they are. By posting content that portrays a more sincere depiction of their bodies, consuming food disorder recovery, and what it means to practice self-love, celebrities, bloggers, companies, and everyday Instagram users are working to shift the narrative on body image. (For its part, Instagram is working towards filtering out content that promotes consuming food disorders on its platform.). If your Instagram feed is in need of a refresher or you’re looking for some digital encouragement, begin by hitting the follow button on these accounts.


 

“Follow people who are authentic, love themselves, and are funny and joyful. Nicole Byer and Lizzo are incredible, powerful celebrities who love their bodies, and inspire you to love yours.” — Amanda, 25, New York

“I revamped my Instagram to follow only people who post about inclusivity, body positivity, and are standing up and breaking the stigma day-to-day. Search hashtags like #bodypositivity or #eatingdisorderrecovery. There really are individuals posting content that is supportive, enlightening and positive to be able to see.  Surround yourself with content that lifts you up and makes you feel like you’re number one, because you are number one.” – Kaylie, 24, New York

“I noticed wonderful people to follow who widen ideas about what it means to be beautiful: Virgie Tovar, Megan Jayne Crabbe at Body Posi Panda, Christy Harrison, and Jessamyn Stanley, who is a black fat yogi I love to follow. I also think each person should look up the National Consuming food Disorder Awareness Corporation if they are struggling, because it’s critical have the ability to reach out. They have volunteers and personnel who are accessible to talk in the event you need.” — Julia, 25, New York

“Southern Smash, operated by McCall Dempsey, has really become a powerful voice as a supporter for recovery, yet also is a wonderful example of how to use social media in a positive way. Another agency doing key work is Recovery Warriors, operated by Jessica Flint. She has done a wonderful deal to talk about the recovery experience, and also incorporating what we're beginning to understand in the statistics and treatment world.” — Dr. Norman Kim, the National Director of Program Development for Reasons Consuming food Disorder Center

 

“Look up the hashtag body positivity and look for people who embrace themselves and are usually spreading positivity. Just Livin’ Baby (Amber Wagner) is my main go to account to follow.” — Portia, 26, New York City

“If you’re in recovery, alternatively opposed to following fitness accounts, follow recovery accounts like #EdRecovery. I follow people who are going through recovery because they give me perspective on things I hadn’t even thought about also it assists the keep me focused on my objective at hand.” — Charles, 34, New Jersey

“I like watching StyleLike U, where they do the “What’s Underneath Project.” It’s all different types of people telling their story and there really are some directed towards body positivity or journeys with bodies and consuming food disorders.” — Ella, 24, New York

 If you or someone you know is struggling with a consuming food disorder, head to neda.Mtv.Com to get help.