The impact of likes and comments

61% of people either ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that if they got a certain number of likes/ shares on social media they felt good about themselves.

Of those respondents who comment on others’ physical appearance on social media, 98% said they only post positive comments.

The obsession with feeling validated through likes and comments on social media is suggestive of broader issues at play. The societal ideal of beauty is very much engrained within us, and we need to push back against harmful diet culture rhetoric that tells us our body size and appearance defines our worth – and that we can only feel good about ourselves if we are being externally validated.

#BodyKindOnline tip

Turning off likes or comments in the app’s settings can take away the focus of hitting a certain number. Although it might seem odd at first, it’s important to remember that these online values actually have no value in real life. After a while, you might even forget they exist in the first place!

Although we might think we are being nice or supportive by only leaving positive appearance-based comments, this still sends the message that our appearance is important. The best way to comment on someone’s appearance is to not. Even if we are only leaving positive comments, particularly around body sizes and weight, we don’t know what we are praising – it could be an eating disorder or chronic/physical illness.

Comparing yourself to influencers

34% of respondents reported most frequently wishing to look like an influencer.

45% of respondents had made changes to their appearance to look like the person they wished to look like. This was more common in people with a lived experience of an eating disorder. 

Typically speaking, it is easier for young people to compare to the perfect, flawless and idealised image presented on social media, as they may not have the social media literacy to understand that what they are viewing is not a true representation of reality or how the person in the image is actually feeling.

#BodyKindOnline tip

Social media is mostly a highlight reel, and we rarely see someone’s worst day promoted online. Remember that the heavy use of digital manipulation, filters or selection of the perfect shot all help to present the version of reality that someone wants others to see!

Using filters

42% reported using filters to improve the way they look on social media

66% of respondents believed the people they follow use filters ‘often/always’ to improve the way they look

Using filters to distort or alter appearance has never been easier and our research highlights that many people believe they need to use filters to improve the way they look. Additionally, although some respondents were aware that photos had been heavily edited, this did not change the fact that the images made them feel bad about themselves.

#BodyKindOnline tip

Avoid using filters that distort body shape or appearance features and resist the temptation to try these “even just once” to see what they look like.  If you are someone who uses filter frequently try to reduce their use over time. 

Social comparison

40% of respondents reported comparing their posts/photos to the posts of others/friends 

63% ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ it was important to them how other people perceived their appearance online 

There is a strong link between making appearance-based comparisons and body dissatisfaction, particularly when one compares themselves to idealised body types on social media. 

#BodyKindOnline tip

If you are taking a photo of yourself, avoid taking multiple photos and instead treat your phone like a film camera – one snap is all you get!  Photos are meant to be merely a snippet of time and don’t have to be perfectly constructed.  If you find yourself taking 100 of photos to get the perfect shot, try reducing this over time. 

Taking photos of things that aren’t related to your body or appearance can also reduce pressure. What are your other hobbies? Share this with your online following – not every photo has to be a selfie. Doing so can also give you a break from worrying about your appearance, how many likes you get, or what people will say about your image. 

Curating your feed

86% of respondents reported they had previously had to unfollow or mute a person’s account that they were following as it was having a negative impact on their mental health

53% of respondents reported they had stopped using a social media platform as it was having a negative impact on their mental health

An important message that emerged from the findings in this survey was that social media would be experienced more positively if there was greater focus on other aspects of people’s lives, rather than the overriding reduction of individuals to their bodies.

#BodyKindOnline tip

Research says by exposing yourself to more diverse and larger bodies, it can lead to a ‘recalibration’ of what is considered healthy and ‘normal.’ Diversify your feed. Follow people who look like you and who don’t look like you. Follow people who showcase diverse bodies and follow people who disregard editing and applying filters to their photos.

Use the tools provided in your favour. If a friend is posting content that upsets you, use the mute button – they won’t know! Other tools include blocking accounts and using nudges to remind yourself to take a break from scrolling. It’s okay to put the phone down and have a break.