Instagram versus reality: The effect of the body positive social media trend
Here we speak to two fitness influencers about how posting ‘Instagram versus reality’ photos, a body-positive social media trend, has done wonders for their mental health…
Instagram versus reality
Scroll through your Instagram feed and you’ll be inundated with flawless images – but it’s no secret that things are not always as they seem. The perfect pose, flattering lighting and a filter (we’ve all seen that Khloe Kardashian photo) can drastically alter someone’s appearance.
These images create unrealistic beauty standards and can make us feel bad about our bodies. This is why some influencers are saying enough is enough.
In a bid to bring awareness to the deceitful nature of social media, there has been a rise in ‘Instagram versus reality’ posts. These are side-by-side photos of a posed or edited image against the real version, which shows perceived imperfections such as cellulite, belly rolls and stretch marks.
Fitness influencer Hayley Madigan started posting these types of photos two and half years ago. She suffered from extreme body image issues due to her bodybuilding career.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDG72AJHYc2/
“I used to post highly posed images because I was a personal trainer and I thought people wouldn’t want me to train them if my body wasn’t perfect. Ridiculous looking back now,” she explains.
“I was taught to pose and distort my body in a way that it could hide my imperfections because of bodybuilding and posing on stage. There is an art to this and I knew exactly how to do it. People peering in from the outside would think I naturally looked like that.
“After posting my first ‘insta vs reality’ image, the feedback I got from women was amazing. They were so happy to see that my body had similar ‘flaws’ to theirs. No matter how lean or toned I was, I still had areas that weren’t perfect. That is okay because we are human!”
Body image and mental health
Hayley, who has more than 330,000 followers, also says sharing her journey online has done wonders for her mental health.
“Over the years my body has changed, I stopped competing in bodybuilding and had to put on essential body fat. My hormones were too low to have a functioning menstrual cycle and I was deemed unhealthy. I struggled with body dysmorphia and often was very low and unhappy with my body.
“Posting my journey on social media helped me hugely. It allowed me to talk about my experiences but I also realised I was helping other women who were in the same position as me. That felt good.”
Victoria Niamh Spence is another influencer who has had a similar experience. She admits she only used to upload photos from her best angle. Now, her feed contains posts encouraging women to love their bodies from every angle.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1FT34AYUE/
“I began to wake up to diet culture and also recognise the responsibility that I had on my platform. I decided to switch the ‘perfect’ for the more ‘normal’. Since creating a feed that reflects me most from every angle, I’ve felt more content in myself. Moreover, I feel I can have a greater and more positive impact” she says.
“I am more connected to myself both mind and body now I share more of my reality as opposed to an online persona. I care less about my body changing and growing because I’m no longer depending on it to build an online presence. To have a platform built around my most raw and real self takes the pressure off having to live up to an expectation.”
Normalise ‘imperfections’
And she urges other influencers to use their platforms to reveal the truth behind the ‘perfect’ social media snap.
“I think social media would be a much more positive space if everyone decided to be more human and were forced to be more transparent about using photoshopping and body enhancing apps.”
The issue is also gaining momentum offline. A new bill put forward by Tory MP Dr. Luke Evans is currently being debated in parliament. The proposed law would require celebrities and influencers to label images that have been digitally altered.
There may still be a way to go but important inroads are being made to see more real bodies on social media – and we’re here for it.
Main photo: @hayleymadiganfitness
Get your weekly DOSE fix here: SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
FAQs
How does Instagram affect body image?
Instagram can have a negative impact on body image by promoting unrealistic beauty standards and creating pressure to conform to those standards.
What are the benefits of the body positive social media trend?
The body positive social media trend can help promote self-confidence, self-love, and acceptance of all body types, which can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
How can individuals contribute to the body positive social media trend?
Individuals can contribute to the body positive social media trend by sharing images and messages that promote self-love and acceptance, and by supporting others who do the same.
What are some tips for using social media in a healthy way?
Some tips for using social media in a healthy way include limiting time spent on social media, unfollowing accounts that promote negative body image, and focusing on positive and uplifting content.
