WEEK 7- The Unattainable Beauty Standards on Social Media: A Call for Awareness and Change
Social Media’s Hidden Costs: Who Gets Left Behind?
Social media platforms promise connection and creativity, but for marginalized communities, the reality is far more complicated. Research by Duffy & Meisner (2022) reveals that algorithms systematically reduce the visibility of content from creators of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. These groups often must self-censor or conform to narrow aesthetic standards just to be seen—a phenomenon Dr. Jonathan Mavroudis ties to algorithmic bias, where race, gender, and politics quietly shape what goes viral. For example, disabled activists frequently find their posts about accessibility buried under mainstream content, forcing them to perform unpaid aesthetic labor (Duffy & Meisner, 2022) to fit platform ideals.
The Dark Side of the "That Girl" Trend: Unrealistic Standards and Their Psychological Toll
The rise of the "That Girl" trend (Ocampo, 2022) on TikTok and Instagram has captivated millions with its aspirational portrayal of the "perfect" lifestyle—waking up at 5 AM, meditating, eating organic smoothie bowls, and maintaining a rigorous gym routine. Initially celebrated as a motivational movement, it has since faced backlash for promoting an unattainable standard of productivity and self-discipline. Critics argue that this trend ignores the complexities of real life, where factors like socioeconomic status, mental health, and physical ability make such routines impractical—or even harmful—for many.
What makes this trend particularly insidious is its psychological impact. Frequent exposure to these highly curated lifestyles has been linked to decreased self-esteem, particularly among young users who internalize the message that they are "not doing enough" (Ocampo, 2022). Psychology researchers are increasingly concerned about how social media fuels anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia—especially when users compare their unfiltered lives to the polished, edited versions they see online. A study from Florida State University (Clark, 2022) found a direct correlation between engagement with edited images and heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, suggesting that the pressure to conform to these ideals has measurable mental health consequences.
The Role of Influencers and the Illusion of Perfection
The problem is exacerbated by celebrities and influencers who perpetuate these standards while avoiding accountability. Kim Kardashian, for instance, has publicly dismissed responsibility for the beauty norms she promotes, despite her massive influence (Clark, 2022). This refusal to acknowledge the real-world impact of curated content highlights a broader issue: social media rewards unrealistic perfection while leaving users to deal with the emotional fallout.
For marginalized communities—such as people with disabilities—these standards are even more exclusionary. Many disabled creators have spoken out about the pressure to conform to ableist beauty norms, which often glorify able-bodied aesthetics while erasing diverse body types. Some, like the author cited in your research, have chosen to leave platforms like Instagram entirely to protect their mental health—a drastic but necessary measure in an environment that prioritizes appearance over authenticity.
The solution? Education and accountability. Teaching media literacy can help users recognize edited content, while regulations could force platforms to address algorithmic discrimination (Dr. Mavroudis). But change also starts with us: supporting marginalized creators, questioning "perfect" feeds, and demanding transparency. After all, social media should amplify voices—not erase them.
References
Clark, N. (2022, July 16). Kim Kardashian and unrealistic body image: Why I quit Instagram. Thenewdaily.com.au. https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/health/2022/07/16/kim-kardashian-instagram-body-image
Duffy, B. E., & Meisner, C. (2022). Platform Governance at the margins: Social Media Creators’ Experiences with Algorithmic (in)visibility. Media, Culture & Society, 45(2), 016344372211119. https://doi.org/10.1177/01634437221111923
Ocampo, N. (2022, March 23). The Downside of Trying to be “That Girl.” The Outlook. https://outlook.monmouth.edu/2022/03/the-downside-of-trying-to-be-that-girl/
van. (2019, May 7). Of Course, Kim Kardashian Brought the Sexy to the... Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/638455684710605959/
