Body dissatisfaction across the age groups

The increase in body dissatisfaction is affecting people across all age groups, and concerns about appearance are starting earlier than ever. Research has shown that children as young as four are already thinking about how they look, highlighting how deeply these pressures can take hold. Among older children and teenagers, the impact is even more pronounced. A 2022 stem4 survey reported that 17% of young people aged 12 to 21 experience body image issues, while nearly four in five 11 to 16-year-olds say that their appearance is important to them.

These feelings often persist into adulthood and can have a lasting impact on self-esteem and wellbeing. According to the British Social Attitudes Survey, almost one in three people felt that their value as a person depends on their appearance. Concerns about body image are not limited to younger generations. One in five adults aged 55 and over reported feeling anxious, and almost a quarter said they had felt depressed, specifically because of how they perceive their bodies.

The link between social media, AI and body perception

According to the respondents in our Body Perception survey, there is a clear connection between the use of social media, the growing influence of AI and how individuals feel about their bodies. Among those who reported being unsatisfied with their appearance, 73% said they use social media multiple times a day. A significant proportion, 70%, believe that Instagram has the largest impact on their body image of all social media platforms, shaping how they perceive themselves and others.

The emergence of AI technology has added another layer to this issue. Of those who are dissatisfied with their bodies, over a third (36%) agreed that AI has made them more critical of their appearance. AI-powered tools, such as photo editing apps and filters, are increasingly used to create highly polished and often unrealistic images. This can fuel comparisons and heighten pressure to meet unattainable standards.

Research supports this link between fear of negative evaluation and the use of Instagram filters. Studies have shown that heavily edited images can reinforce appearance-related anxieties and increase dissatisfaction. Together, these findings highlight how rapidly evolving technology and online culture are shaping body perception in ways that are still being understood.

Are people getting more cosmetic surgery as a result?

Recent data suggests that cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly common, particularly among women. According to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, women accounted for 94% of all cosmetic procedures carried out in 2024. Surgeries such as breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks and liposuction have all seen noticeable increases in popularity over the past year.

While the number of procedures among men declined by 1.5% during the same period, men still make up only a small proportion of those choosing to have cosmetic surgery overall.

Insights from our Body Perception survey indicate that emerging technologies and online culture are likely contributing to this trend. Among respondents who felt dissatisfied with their appearance, 28% said they are more likely to undergo surgery because of the influence of AI and social media.

These findings highlight the growing impact that digital platforms and image-editing tools are having on personal decisions about appearance, as more people consider cosmetic procedures in response to the pressure to look a certain way.

What can be done?

Addressing rising body dissatisfaction and the influence of unrealistic imagery will require action from multiple sides. One important step is placing more pressure on social media platforms and policymakers to introduce and enforce clearer standards around how images are presented. For example, in Norway, legislation now requires that filtered or digitally altered photos used in advertising and social media posts be clearly labelled to show they have been modified.

Similar measures could help reduce the pressure many people feel to meet impossible standards by making it clearer when images have been enhanced. Greater transparency can empower individuals to engage with content more critically and reduce harmful comparisons.

There is also scope for broader education around media literacy, helping people of all ages recognise when images have been edited and understand how these edits can distort perceptions of what is typical or achievable. Encouraging open conversations about body image, promoting diverse representations and supporting those who experience low self-esteem can all contribute to a healthier environment.

Getting help if you’ve experienced negligent surgery

As more people choose to undergo cosmetic procedures, the likelihood of negligent outcomes unfortunately also increases. When demand rises, standards can sometimes slip, and individuals may find themselves facing complications that could have been avoided.

If you have experienced issues because your surgeon did not meet their professional responsibilities to you, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This could include situations where procedures were carried out without proper care, where you were not fully informed about the risks involved or where mistakes during surgery led to avoidable harm.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have extensive experience in securing compensation for people who have been let down by surgeons failing to meet the required standard of care. We understand how distressing it can be when a procedure you placed your trust in has caused physical or emotional pain, and we are here to provide clear, supportive guidance at every stage of your claim.

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you do not have to face it alone. Our specialist team is ready to help you move forward and seek the resolution you deserve.