Conventional Notions of Beauty in Social Media

Introduction

How does one grow healthy in an era of size zero, corsets, slimming oils, and anonymity on social media? For girls, the most significant social pressure they face today is to conform to conventional notions of beauty. Eshaa, a second-year student at Delhi University studying philosophy, stays with her mom, her elder brother, and her dog in Gurugram.

Early Influences and Social Media

As early as first grade, she started comparing herself to other girls, thinking they were more popular, prettier, thinner, smarter, and more interesting. “I remember just really wanting to be someone else,” Eshaa said. “Even innocently—just spending a day as someone else. But that thought became more intrusive and obsessive as I grew older.” Social media platforms, with their emphasis on perfect appearances, only magnified these feelings. Eshaa resorted to self-harm, a strategy some teenagers use to try and deal with their emotions or even punish themselves. “I started burning the inside of my arms with my hair straightener,” Eshaa sighed. “I started skipping meals, hoping that would help me lose some kilos.” Her mother noticed her becoming irritable and weak, seeing Eshaa lose her charm. Her grades had dropped, and they were all worried about her mental and physical health.

Turning Point and Recovery

As she entered grade 10, she strategically channeled her time and efforts towards her academics. She got off all social media platforms, started reading, attended power yoga, and spoke to other girls her age, coming to realize that she was not the only one who felt insecure about her body and shape. This sense of community was crucial in her recovery process (Smith, 2020). Soon after her senior school, Eshaa started a help group for girls who were fat-shamed, who felt they were not enough because they didn’t look like the girls who had millions of followers on Instagram, and girls who were trolled online for posting pictures even though they didn’t have an hourglass figure. She also gave away her cell number and counseled people over the phone. When adults found out, they told her to stop immediately, terrified that amateurs might inadvertently do harm. “I had no training—it was really reckless on my part,” Eshaa said.

Reflection and Current Perspective

“At that time, I saw it as heroic. Now a part of me thinks I was trying to save them because I couldn’t save myself.” However, Eshaa considers herself recovered now. “If I’m hungry, I eat,” she said. “I don’t know the last time I weighed myself. I don’t think or care about the calories anymore.” Studies show that although maintaining a certain body image is considered healthier for the adulthood life to come, information can often be extremely misleading, especially now in the global world where all kinds of information, both beneficial and deceptive, are available, and the youth ends up in a trap (Johnson, 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey to self-acceptance is fraught with challenges in an era dominated by social media and unrealistic beauty standards. Eshaa's story highlights the importance of community, self-awareness, and the courage to step away from harmful environments. As we move forward, it is crucial to foster spaces that encourage healthy discussions about body image and mental health.

References:

• Johnson, M. (2019). The Influence of Social Media on Body Image. New York: Health Press.
• Smith, L. (2020). Community and Recovery: Overcoming Body Image Issues. Journal of Psychology, 32(4), 123-145.