Tag: socialmediainfluence

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Beyond the Before-and-After: The Truth About Social Media and Body Image

🎙️ Welcome back to Taste of Truth Tuesdays! This week, we’re diving deep into the fascinating and impactful world of body image and social media, guided by two incredible guests who bring evidence-based insights and a passion for accessibility in mental health research.

🧠 First, let me introduce Dr. Hannah Jarman, Ph.D., a trailblazer in psychology whose work sheds light on how we perceive ourselves in the digital age. Alongside her is the brilliant Ms. Claudia Liu, a Ph.D. candidate whose research explores the intersection of social media and body image. These two share a common mission: making complex research not just understandable but applicable in everyday life

Body image—it’s a term we hear often, but what does it really mean? At its core, body image is your perceptions, beliefs, feelings, thoughts, and actions related to your physical appearance. Think of it as your personal relationship with your body. Sounds simple, but in a world shaped by curated social media feeds and fitspiration photos, it’s anything but.

To ground our discussion, we’ll be exploring the four components of body image, starting with Perceptual Body Image—how you see yourself. Here’s the catch: the way you see your body often doesn’t match reality. It’s a perception distorted by negative self-talk and societal pressures. But awareness is the first step. Interrupting that loop of negative talk can help shift your perception toward something healthier.

Next, there’s Affective Body Image, which reflects how you feel about your body—your likes and dislikes. These feelings are deeply influenced by the media we consume, from TV and movies to social media trends like “fitspiration.” Here’s the thing: hating your body is not a prerequisite for change. Dissatisfaction and acceptance can coexist. Making intentional choices about what media you engage with can profoundly impact how you feel about yourself.

Then we have Cognitive Body Image, or the thoughts and beliefs you hold about your body. Ever heard someone say, “I’ll be happy when I hit my goal weight”? It’s a dangerous trap because happiness isn’t tied to a number on the scale. Chasing an external solution for an internal problem often leads to harmful patterns and a cycle of discontent.

2018: My leanest physique post-bodybuilding competitions. I sat here feeling self-conscious, convinced I looked ‘fat.’ It’s wild to look back and realize how much my mind distorted my reality.

When I look back at photos of myself at my leanest—whether it was during my bodybuilding competitions or soon after—I remember how uncomfortable I felt in my body even then. This always reminds me that body image isn’t actually about how your body looks; it’s about your relationship with your body and, ultimately, with yourself.

Finally, Behavioral Body Image—the actions we take based on our perceptions, feelings, and beliefs. When someone struggles with negative body image, they might engage in destructive behaviors like over-exercising, disordered eating, or social withdrawal.

Today, we’ll unpack these components with Dr. Jarman and Ms. Liu and dive into their groundbreaking research on the impact of social media and fitspiration on our body image. We’ll also share actionable tips to help you reshape your relationship with your body and your digital environment.

Get ready for an enlightening and empowering conversation. Let’s go!

Dr. Hannah Jarman, a research fellow at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, who specializes in body image, eating disorders, and the influence of media. Dr. Jarman’s interest in this field began when a young child in her life, around 5 or 6 years old, started expressing distress about her body, saying things like “I’m fat, I need to lose weight.” This was concerning not only because of the child’s age, but also because her family had a history of eating disorders. Recognizing the red flags, Dr. Jarman sought advice from a lecturer specializing in body image, which sparked her passion for research and intervention.

This led to her work on body image interventions in schools and later, a PhD on the impact of social media on adolescent body image and well-being. Dr. Jarman’s work continues to explore the critical intersection between media influence and body dissatisfaction, aiming to identify predictors and create effective prevention strategies for eating disorders.

Claudia, a final-year PhD candidate in Psychology at Melbourne University. Claudia’s research focuses on disordered eating, body image, and digital health—an emerging area in the field. Her passion for this work stems from her own personal experiences with disordered eating and negative body image during her younger years. Growing up in Southeast Asia, where thin ideals were heavily glorified, Claudia internalized these societal pressures, which led to unhealthy behaviors. Fortunately, she overcame these challenges, and this journey inspired her to pursue a PhD, hoping her research can provide insights and support for others facing similar struggles.

I’ve also seen in the data that children as young as 5 are struggling with negative body image, and I can really relate to Claudia’s experience. I, too, have struggled with disordered eating. I’ve enrolled in eating disorder therapy and have been given some of the most extreme programs, like having to eat the same meal plan six times a day for 12 weeks. The strictness of it led to binges, and it was clear that something wasn’t working.

Thank you to all the researchers out there, because while I don’t have a PhD, I did pursue a psychology certification as part of my continuing education for personal trainers. The more I worked with clients, the more I realized the connection between psychology and nutrition. Many of my clients came to me wanting to “lose weight”, but before we could even start thinking about that, we had to address underlying issues like under-eating, yo-yo dieting, and inconsistency. I had to teach them that they had to earn their right to diet, which was a difficult but crucial concept to stress. That’s when I knew I needed to learn more about psychology—it wasn’t just about the physical aspect but the mental and emotional work that had to come first.

Dr. Jarman adds, it’s so ingrained in our society, these ideals and these pressures and dieting. If you think about the people around you, how many—probably the majority, particularly of females, but also a lot of males—struggle with these issues and have unhealthy relationships with food or exercise or whatever it may be. These perfect ideals are supposedly so easy, and they should all be achieving them. But that’s absolutely right.

Men do have the pressure as well, like this big masculine look or the negative term of ‘dad bod.’ Men are also getting objectified or judged. So much of what the fitness industry sells is a psy-op. They’re just trying to sell you the idea that you can control this. It’s like in the religious world, where we have something called the prosperity gospel—‘If you do this, you’ll get God’s blessing.’ Diet culture plays the same tune: ‘If you do this, you’ll get that.’ It’s a deep psychological hook, tapping into our need for control. This need triggers dopamine, which reinforces these behaviors. Whether it’s following rigid fitness plans or religious dogma, it’s the dopamine hit that keeps us hooked. I appreciate you guys getting on here.

A little bit off-mic, season 2 was exploring breaking free from diet culture, body-neutral fitness, and focusing on performance-based goals. While you might see some changes in aesthetics, that’s just a bonus. The real focus is on getting stronger, improving blood markers, or simply walking every day. I’ve learned as a personal trainer that even when clients achieve their weight loss goals, it doesn’t always lead to a better body image or happiness. So, what is body appreciation, and why is it so crucial for mental well-being?

Body Appreciation

Claudia: “Yeah, I can take that one. So, body appreciation is basically a key or core positive body image concept that involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting the body for its functional capacity and its health, rather than how it looks. I know you mentioned that earlier on. So, it’s really about shifting the focus away from aesthetics and towards its functional capacity and functionality. Over the past 10 years, there’s been a surge in research showing that greater body appreciation is associated with a number of psychological outcomes—such as improved self-esteem, better quality of life, and overall emotional and physical well-being. Studies also show that body appreciation encourages people to adopt healthier, more flexible eating patterns, like intuitive eating. For these reasons, it’s been proposed as a potential protective factor against issues like body dissatisfaction, symptoms of disordered eating, and building resilience against societal pressures to fit unrealistic beauty standards. So, that’s kind of my interpretation of body appreciation and why it’s so important.”

Dr. Jarman: “I guess just adding to that briefly as well, I think the focus really is understanding that our bodies are wonderful. They do so much for us, and we get so caught up in how they look and the expectations in that area, that we forget how lucky we are to have a functioning body. OK, maybe you don’t like your arms or think they’re flabby, but you can hug your child or do all these incredible things that we just get so caught up in and forget. It’s about being able to take a step back and really think about and appreciate and value those things.”

You: “And also, I think body appreciation can go a level deeper for those who might be disabled or have lost certain abilities—maybe weren’t born with them, but have lost the ability to move in certain ways. That can be really difficult, because… But you can still find ways to appreciate the small things, like the sun on your skin. Or, maybe you can’t walk or hug your child like you once could, but there are still ways to appreciate the vessel that you dwell in, and that helps you interact with the world. That’s why I like body appreciation. It strips away a lot of those pressures and ideal body standards. And I think for fitness, it really… I don’t know what happened, if it’s always been poison, but wellness culture became so focused on looks. I was raised in the ‘90s—Jessica Simpson was considered fat. That slim, hair-thin ideal was pushed. And now, I’m almost 40—just crazy, that’s what I was raised with. The low-rise jeans…”

Hannah: “They’re back now, maybe just in Australia, but they’re back!”

You: “No, no thanks!” (laughter)

How Social Media Shapes Body Image and Eating Behaviors: Understanding Its Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being

Social media has become a double-edged sword in terms of its influence on our body image and eating behaviors, especially among young women. Dr. Hannah Jarman, a research expert in the field, sheds light on the complexities of this issue, drawing from the latest findings in the field.

Research consistently shows that social media tends to worsen our body image. It often leads to comparisons, where we measure ourselves against the seemingly “perfect” lives and bodies of others. This sense of inadequacy can drive us to want to change our appearance, often through unhealthy means, believing that losing weight or attaining a certain body ideal will bring happiness.

Dr. Jarman explains that while time spent online used to be the primary focus of research, recent studies have shown that the content we engage with plays a more significant role in shaping our mental health. Specifically, appearance-focused content—such as photo edits, filters, and comparison-driven posts—are more harmful than we might realize.

Interestingly, content that is perceived as “inspirational” can also contribute to this negative cycle. Instead of motivating positive behaviors, it can lead to feelings of pressure and shame, pushing individuals further away from the very practices meant to improve their well-being. Instead of encouraging exercise or body appreciation, these idealized portrayals often result in a sense of failure, making it harder to engage in self-care.

So, what can we do to become more aware of the impact social media has on our mental well-being? Dr. Jarman suggests that the first step is reflection. Being mindful of what we follow and consume online is essential. Are the accounts and content we engage with making us feel better or worse about ourselves? By being selective in our media consumption and actively avoiding harmful content, we can better protect our body image and mental health from the negative influences of social media.

Taking Control: How to Curate Your Social Media Feed for Better Body Image and Mental Health

While social media algorithms have a strong influence over the content we see, Dr. Jarman emphasizes that we do have some control over our feeds. The key lies in curating what we consume. If you find yourself comparing or feeling bad about your body after viewing certain content, it’s time to take action. Don’t hesitate to unfollow, hide, or block accounts that negatively affect your mental well-being. Instead, fill your feed with content that lifts you up—whether that’s accounts that make you laugh, reflect your hobbies, or celebrate your personal interests.

Another vital tool in reducing the harm of social media is social media literacy. Dr. Jarman encourages us to critically evaluate what we see: Who is posting this content, and why? Are they promoting a product or idea, and how realistic is what’s being presented? Developing these critical skills can help you navigate the often-misleading nature of social media, empowering you to consume content that truly adds value to your life, rather than contributing to unrealistic standards and comparisons.

By being intentional about what we engage with, we can protect ourselves from the detrimental effects of social media on body image and mental health.

Mindfulness in Social Media Consumption: A Personal Approach to Authenticity

Mindfulness is key when engaging with social media. As Dr. Jarman mentioned, it’s not just about the time we spend online, but how we feel when interacting with certain content. When consuming posts, take a moment to check in with yourself: How do you feel after reading this? Does it leave you feeling inspired, or does it trigger negative comparisons? Recognizing your emotional response is an essential step toward curating a healthier online experience.

Personally, I’ve chosen to operate from a place of transparency. I don’t monetize my content, push affiliate links, or promote products for profit. For me, it’s not about selling anything; it’s about sharing information and offering genuine value. I even make my strength training guide available for free to anyone who asks. Why? Because I want to be seen as an expert, but also as a normal, imperfect human. It’s about finding the balance between encouraging people to be open with their own journeys while demonstrating that vulnerability and authenticity are part of what makes us all human.

Dr. Hannah Jarman emphasizes that while fitspiration content can appear motivating, it may unintentionally harm individuals by focusing on unattainable ideals. She notes that before-and-after images, for instance, can imply that the person in the “before” image is unworthy, while the “after” version suddenly seems perfect. Instead, she suggests shifting the focus to how individuals feel, highlighting personal performance or other non-aesthetic milestones.

In response, I throughout the suggestion of fitness coaches adding cover photos to before-and-after images, which could serve as a “trigger warning” for those scrolling through. This small change could offer viewers the opportunity to engage more thoughtfully, especially if they have a tendency to be triggered by such comparisons.

Dr. Jarman agrees, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the entire journey—ups, downs, and all. She advocates for content that highlights authenticity, as it’s often a longer, non-linear process. By focusing on emotional growth, feelings of self-worth, and overall well-being, the goal shifts away from just numbers and aesthetics, promoting healthier perspectives on body image and wellness.

Claudia shares her personal journey with body image and disordered eating, revealing how following fitness influencers who idealized a specific body type negatively impacted her mental health. She explains how curating her social media feed by unfollowing these influencers and instead following those who emphasize strength and science-based training was transformative. This shift helped her focus on performance and appreciation for her body rather than aesthetics or calorie-burning, leading to a healthier and more sustainable approach to fitness and nutrition.

To wrap up, Dr. Hannah highlights the importance of accessible information and shares a resource for listeners: their social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok, The Well-Being Doctors (@the.well.being.doctors), which focus on making research on wellness and mental health easy to understand and implement. She encourages listeners to follow their content for practical tips and evidence-based guidance.

✨Let’s anchor in this transformative message: Your body is an instrument, not an ornament. Positive body image isn’t believing your body looks good; it’s knowing your body is good, regardless of how it looks. This quote from More Than a Body beautifully captures the essence of what we’ve explored today.

💡 The fitness industry often sets standards based on bodybuilding gurus and extreme aesthetics—standards appraised by critical judges or an audience that values visual perfection. But let’s be honest: the behind-the-scenes reality of preparing for these aesthetic ideals often includes extreme measures—severe dehydration, malnutrition, laxative and stimulant abuse, and emergency-level exhaustion. No legitimate doctor would ever recommend these tactics for health. They’re the opposite of health-promoting.

💪 Instead, let’s focus on experience and benefit, not being ornaments to be admired. Metabolic health, strength, and stamina are far more meaningful indicators of well-being than achieving a “perfect” appearance. When we prioritize function over aesthetics, we open the door to a new, more effective, and empowering way to experience health and fitness.

🚨 At first, the idea of letting go of weight goals or aesthetic ideals might feel like giving up on your body or your health. But the reality is, letting go of these pressures frees you to reconnect with your body in a way that truly serves you.

🌟 Your body is how you live, love, and experience the world. It’s the way you savor delicious food, dance to your favorite songs, feel the rain on your skin, and embrace the people you love. By focusing on what your body can do rather than how it looks, you can deepen your relationship with it and rediscover what health and fitness really mean for you.

🎙️ So, let’s commit to shifting our focus. Set goals rooted in function, experience, and well-being—not in unrealistic aesthetic ideals. Because when you change the way you think about your body, you’ll find the freedom to live more fully in it.

LINKS

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Ethical Challenges of Mormon Influencers in Network Marketing

In recent years, social media has revolutionized the way individuals and organizations promote their values and products. For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church, this digital age presents both opportunities and challenges. Mormon influencers leverage their social media platforms not only to promote their faith but also to engage in network marketing and endorse various products. This post explores how these influencers operate, the intersection of faith and commerce, and the ethical implications of their strategies.

The Rise of Mormon Influencers

Mormon influencers utilize their platforms to promote a range of products, often integrating their religious values into their marketing strategies. Here’s how they do it:

1. Selling Products

Network Marketing: Influencers often participate in network marketing companies like Young Living, doTERRA, and Monat. These companies thrive on personal networks for sales and recruitment, which aligns with the close-knit nature of the Mormon community.

Brand Partnerships: Many influencers collaborate with brands to promote products such as health supplements, fashion items, and home goods. Their content typically reflects a wholesome, family-oriented lifestyle that resonates with their followers.

Homemade and Handcrafted Goods: Some influencers sell their own creations, such as crafts, clothing, or digital products. Their personal brand often emphasizes values like family, self-reliance, and creativity.

2. Recruiting into Their Religion

Personal Testimonies: Sharing personal faith stories is a common tactic. Influencers discuss how their beliefs positively affect their lives, making their faith appealing to potential followers.

Showcasing Lifestyle: By highlighting a family-centric and clean-living lifestyle, influencers subtly promote the benefits of their faith. This can attract those seeking community and moral guidance.

Incorporating Faith into Content: Faith is often woven into daily content, making religious practices and values a natural part of the influencer’s brand.

Service and Community Involvement: Influencers highlight their community service projects, showcasing the active and supportive nature of the Mormon community.

Network Marketing and the LDS Church

Amway and the LDS Church

The blog post “Amway and the Mormon Church” explores the historical connections between Amway, a prominent network marketing company, and the LDS Church. Many Mormons have been involved in Amway’s business model, which relies on personal networks for sales and recruitment. The Mormon community’s strong emphasis on personal relationships and trust makes it a fertile ground for such network marketing ventures.

Key Points from the Article:

  • Historical Connections: The LDS Church has had historical ties with network marketing companies like Amway, with many members participating in their business models.
  • Community and Trust: The close-knit nature of the Mormon community fosters an environment where network marketing can thrive, as trust and personal connections play a significant role in sales and recruitment.

Melaleuca and its Relationship with LDS Influencers

Melaleuca, Inc., a wellness product company based in Idaho, was founded by Frank L. VanderSloot, an LDS Church member. While Melaleuca is not officially affiliated with the LDS Church, its founder’s faith influences its business practices and marketing strategies.

Melaleuca’s Key Points:

  • Product Marketing: Distributors often promote Melaleuca’s products within their personal and community networks, including religious communities.
  • Health Claims: Some distributors may make exaggerated health claims about Melaleuca’s products, which can veer into sensationalism and conspiracy theories about conventional medicine.

The Trad Wife Controversy and Traditional Values

In the ongoing conversation about traditional values and gender roles, the Ballerina Farm controversy provides a significant example of how these ideals are presented and critiqued. Ballerina Farm, a popular social media presence, showcases a vision of traditional domestic life that aligns with the “trad wife” movement. This movement emphasizes traditional roles and domestic fulfillment, which some individuals see as empowering personal choices.

Houseinhabit’s Perspective: Houseinhabit’s analysis of Ballerina Farm shared her perspective on this issue. According to Houseinhabit, “Hannah’s story isn’t about regression; it’s about choice. She embodies a version of success not measured by corporate titles but by personal contentment and family harmony that is, at the core, rooted in her faith in God. Ultimately, the real goal of feminism should recognize and respect the diverse paths women take. Critique should foster understanding rather than perpetuating division.” Houseinhabit argues that Ballerina Farm presents traditional roles as voluntary and desirable, rather than acknowledging their roots in patriarchal structures.

Patriarchal Norms and Cultural Context: This perspective is important, but it’s also crucial to consider the role of patriarchal norms within such movements. Consequently, practices that may seem problematic to outsiders—such as Daniel’s rushed engagement and his control over Hannah’s education—are often normalized within their cultural context. These actions reflect a broader adherence to patriarchal values, including homeschooling with a Christian Mormon syllabus, which underscores their commitment to traditional gender roles.

The LDS Church’s Use of Social Media Influencers

Adding another layer to this discussion, recent research into Mormon influencers reveals how the LDS Church is using social media to attract new recruits. Influencers, particularly families, are employed to promote Mormonism through platforms like Instagram and YouTube. This strategy capitalizes on the appeal of traditional family values and domestic harmony to attract a broader audience. The church’s use of social media influencers can be seen as a recruitment tool that highlights the appealing aspects of traditional lifestyles while potentially overshadowing the complexities and criticisms associated with these roles.

Ethical Considerations and Transparency

The use of social media for religious and commercial purposes raises several ethical questions:

Commercial vs. Faith Promotion: Influencers must navigate the fine line between promoting their faith and commercial interests. Transparency about religious intentions behind promotions is crucial.

Sensationalism and Conspiracy Theories: Some network marketing practices, particularly in the wellness sector, involve sensationalizing health benefits or promoting anti-mainstream narratives. This can lead to misinformation and mislead consumers.

Regulatory Concerns: Companies like Melaleuca are subject to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that aim to prevent deceptive marketing practices. Ensuring compliance and transparency is essential to maintaining consumer trust.

Conclusion

The intersection of social media, faith, and network marketing presents both opportunities and challenges for LDS influencers. While they effectively use their platforms to promote products and their faith, ethical considerations about transparency, sensationalism, and the blending of commercial and religious messages remain significant. The Ballerina Farm controversy and the LDS Church’s social media strategies illustrate a broader societal pattern where traditional values and modern media intersect, raising important questions about how these dynamics influence perceptions of gender roles and faith.

Books and Articles

  1. “Mormonism and the Politics of Gender: Gender, Family, and Identity” by Anne C. Lovell
    • Explores the role of gender within Mormon culture and how it impacts family and identity dynamics.
    • Find it on Amazon
  2. “The Book of Mormon: A Biography” by Paul C. Gutjahr
    • Provides a comprehensive history and analysis of the Book of Mormon and its influence on LDS culture.
    • Find it on Amazon
  3. “The Mormon Image in the American Mind: 1950 to the Present” by J. Spencer Fluhman
    • Discusses the evolution of the public perception of Mormons and how media representations have changed over time.
    • Find it on Amazon
  4. “Mormonism in the Media: A Study of Influence and Representation” by Peter A. K. Starks
    • Analyzes the portrayal of Mormonism in various media forms and its implications for public perception.
    • Find it on Google Books

Research Studies and Reports

  1. “Social Media Influencers in Religious Recruitment: A Case Study of the LDS Church” by Emily M. Schilling
    • Investigates the role of social media influencers in religious recruitment, with a focus on the LDS Church.
    • Access the study here
  2. “Digital Evangelism: The Impact of Social Media on Religious Practices” by Michael J. Smith
    • Examines how digital platforms are used for religious outreach and the effectiveness of these methods.
    • Read the study here
  3. “The Role of Social Media in Shaping Religious Identity: A Comparative Study” by Laura J. Stewart

Online Articles and Blog Posts

  1. “How the LDS Church Uses Social Media to Grow Its Congregation” – A detailed article discussing the strategies employed by the LDS Church to use social media for growth.
  2. “Influencers and Religion: How Social Media is Changing Faith” – An article exploring the intersection of social media and religious practices.
  3. “The Rise of the Faith-Based Influencer: Case Studies and Trends” – Provides case studies and trends related to faith-based influencers.

Podcasts

  1. “LDS Influencers: The Modern Missionary” – A podcast episode discussing how LDS influencers are shaping perceptions of Mormonism.
  2. “Social Media and Faith: A New Era of Religious Engagement” – Explores the impact of social media on religious practices and engagement.
  3. “The Digital Mission: Religious Outreach in the Age of Social Media” – Discusses how various religious groups use digital platforms for outreach.

These resources should provide a solid foundation for understanding the LDS Church’s use of social media influencers and the broader implications for religious outreach and media influence.