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Social Media and Body Image: Insights from Our Body Image Perception Survey

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Social Media and Body Image: The Facts

Michael SaulPartner
Michael Saul is a partner at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, where he brings his extensive specialist legal expertise and passion for helping people to the forefront of his work.

Social media can have a big impact on the way its users feel about themselves and, while there are many positives to using networks like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, there are also some drawbacks. Our recent research found that 74 per cent of people back an age limit being put in place on images and videos on social media from celebrities and influencers - paid or unpaid - that promote or demonstrate the effects of cosmetic surgery or cosmetic procedures.

This is because many of you are concerned about the impact such images could have on young people, who might decide to undertake risky cosmetic procedures that they’re not physically or emotionally ready for in a bid to emulate influencers that they follow on social networks.

That being said, the popularity of social media shows no signs of abating. Avoiding it altogether might not be practical or even what you want to achieve. So, we have put together a guide that outlines some facts to be aware of and the latest research around social media and its impact on society. We focus especially on body image and how this can be affected when you use networks like Instagram.

We have suggested some accounts to follow that should have a positive rather than detrimental impact on the way you feel about your body. We have also come up with some easy ways to adapt your social media habits so that you are using it more mindfully.

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The Facts

Social media is an integral part of many people’s daily lives. It can often be the first thing you check in the morning and the last thing you look at in the evening. And while it has many benefits, there is a darker side to social media when it comes to body image and wellbeing. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has compiled some tips and facts about social media and body image to help you use it more mindfully.

Top body positivity Instagram accounts

We’ve chosen some of the top body positivity accounts out there for you to follow, let us know your favourites on Instagram - #CosmeticFilter

@bodyposipanda

With more than 1 million followers on Instagram, Megan promotes body positivity and feminism and shares inspirational messages and imagery from her colourful account.

@i_weigh

The brainchild of Jameela Jamil, I Weigh advocates inclusivity and asks followers to share information about themselves that reflects their personality and passions, rather than their physical attributes.

@bbcbodypositive

This BBC initiative champions self-acceptance and offers wisdom on everything from mental health to cartoons about bras.

@harnaamkaur

Activist and motivational speaker Harnaam is a body confidence advocate and regularly talks about her frustrations with gender stereotypes and pressure to look a certain way.

@scarrednotscared

Michelle launched her Scarred Not Scared campaign to open up a conversation about living with scars and to encourage people to share the remarkable stories behind their scars. She promotes body confidence and uses her account to discuss hard-hitting issues.

@notoriouslydapper

Kelvin is a model, blogger and activist who champions body positivity. As well as sharing his own images, he offers tips to help others find their own body confidence.

@queereye

The hit Netflix show Queer Eye is all about living your best life and embracing what makes you unique, and the show’s Instagram account is no different. With words of wisdom from the stars of the show, the account is uplifting and inspiring.

@actionhappiness

Action for Happiness is a charity that aims to build a happier and more caring society. The Instagram account shares daily tips on how to bring this ethos into your daily life and make positive changes.

@munroebergdorf

Munroe is a British model and activist, and is an influential transgender campaigner. Her Instagram account includes Munroe’s opinion on topical news, campaigning issues and lifestyle images.

How to use social media more mindfully

  • Cleanse: Look through the accounts that you follow and determine whether you feel positive or negative about the content. Do not be afraid to perform monthly ‘culls’ where you unfollow any accounts that have a detrimental effect on your mood
  • Block: Use the block function and report any unsuitable content, either from people who you suspect to be spam, or who you do not want contact with
  • Mute: Most social media platforms have a mute or hide function that allows you to stop seeing content from an account on your homepage or newsfeed, without the need to officially unfollow or delete them 
  • Hashtag: Following inspiring hashtags can help you to curate a feed of content that boosts your mood and reflects your interests. Instagram will suggest hashtags based on content that you frequently engage with
  • Time Limits: Your mobile device can tell you how much time you spend on different apps and some handsets allow you to limit this to a certain number of minutes per day. There are plenty of apps that can do this too, putting you in control of how much content you see each day
  • Stop: If social media is making you feel bad and it is becoming a chore rather than a pleasure, do not be afraid to come off it completely. It is your account and your choice.

Contact us today

If you've experienced complications and believe it was because your surgeon acted negligently, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you make a claim for compensation.

We can gather evidence and pursue financial reimbursement for your suffering. Get in touch by calling us on 0800 634 0285 or filling out our

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