You Are More Than Just A Like: How Social Media Affects Body Image and Life Satisfaction
In a world where scrolling through social media is as habitual as our morning coffee, it is easy to get caught up in the endless stream of curated images, success stories, and highlight reels. But how does this constant exposure affect our mental health, body image, and overall life satisfaction? Recent research by Bissell and Chou (2024) sheds light on the deep connections between social media use, fear of missing out (FOMO), social comparison, and body dissatisfaction—especially among women.
The Social Media Trap: FOMO, Comparison, and Anxiety
Social media, by design, keeps us engaged, but this engagement often comes at a cost. The study found that increased time spent on social media leads to:
Media FOMO – Fearing that other people are having more fun and rewarding experiences by direct comparison.
Social Comparison – The tendency to measure our worth against carefully curated versions of other people's lives.
Appearance Anxiety – Heightened self-consciousness and worry about how we look, fueled by unrealistic beauty standards.
These factors not only diminish body positivity, satisfaction, and self-love but also significantly impact overall life satisfaction. Women who engage more frequently in social comparison and experience more significant FOMO are more likely to develop disordered eating attitudes and struggle with body dissatisfaction.
The Connection Between Body Dissatisfaction and Life Satisfaction
The study confirmed something that we all intuitively know– when we feel dissatisfied with our bodies, it negatively impacts how we think about our lives. The unrealistic beauty standards promoted on social media become internalized, leading to a cycle of self-doubt, dissatisfaction, and even harmful behaviors.
But here is the key takeaway: While social media shapes our perceptions, we are not powerless against its influence.
Steps Toward a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
If you have ever felt inadequate, unworthy or sad after a social media scroll, you are not alone. Here are a few ways to regain control and foster a more positive self-image:
Curate Your Feed – Follow accounts that promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and realistic representations of life. Unfollow those that trigger comparison, self-doubt, and loathing.
Limit Screen Time – Be intentional about your time on social media. Consider setting app limits or scheduling social media-free hours.
Practice Mindful Consumption – Before you scroll, ask yourself: Am I engaging with this content in a way that benefits my mental health? If not, step away.
Engage in Real-Life Connections – Social media fosters connections, but nothing replaces meaningful, in-person relationships. Make time for face-to-face interactions that build genuine self-worth.
Shift the Focus – Instead of using social media for comparison, use it as a space for learning, creativity, and inspiration. Engage with content that uplifts rather than diminishes.
You Are More Than a "Like"!
Your worth is not determined by likes, follows, or filtered images. Social media can be a powerful tool, but engaging with it to support our well-being rather than undermine it is crucial. If social media negatively impacts your self-esteem, body image, or mental health, consider taking a step back and reconnecting with what truly matters—your health and authentic self. If this resonates with you and you are looking for ways to build a healthier relationship with social media, self-image, and self-love therapy can be a great place to start. You do not have to navigate these challenges alone.
