The body positivity movement has been making lots of progress over the past few years. It focuses on the acceptance of all body types regardless of size and shape, and has already contributed to a societal change – but there is still a long way to go.
Recent research conducted by the sports nutrition company Bulk revealed that an alarming number of people around the world are looking for ways to alter the way they look in photos. The US topped the list of countries that search for body editing apps the most online, with an astonishing 69,400 monthly searches. Brazil claimed the second spot with 27,300 searches that month, while Indonesia came third with 25,710 searches.
Below is the list of top 10 countries searching for body editing apps around the world:
- US – 69,400 monthly searches
- Brazil – 27,300 monthly searches
- Indonesia – 25,710 monthly searches
- UK – 23,510 monthly searches
- Canada – 18,430 monthly searches
- Turkey – 18,140 monthly searches
- Germany – 16,770 monthly searches
- Mexico – 15,310 monthly searches
- Australia – 15,050 monthly searches
- Â Italy – 14,770 monthly searches
It’s understandable that most of us want to portray our best selves on social media. However, much of the content people post is not a true representation of who they are and the lifestyle they lead. A large number of people spend hours editing their photos, making themselves look like they have the bodies they think they ‘should’ have. Despite the efforts of the body positivity movement, body editing apps continue to fuel body image issues and spread a toxic culture.
The number of people looking to alter images of their bodies to reach unrealistic beauty standards is staggering, and is known to negatively affect mental health. According to a study published on the Mental Health Foundation’s website, one in eight adults experienced suicidal thoughts because of concerns about their body image. Not only that, more and more people won’t post pictures of themselves on social media without editing them or using filters – in fact, 71% of people admit that they don’t post photos online without doing so first. This makes the proportion of people who give themselves ‘virtual plastic surgeries’ truly concerning.
In addition to low self-esteem and depression, body editing apps are also fuelling dysmorphia and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental health condition in which a person can’t stop thinking about their perceived flaws. People who suffer from this disorder often make extreme body alteration decisions, like excessive plastic surgery, and suffer from anxiety.
Campaigns challenging unrealistic body standards have encouraged millions of people to reject outdated stereotypes and celebrate diversity and inclusivity. While body editing apps continue to be popular, there are a few ways you can maintain body positivity and cultivate self-love:
- Focus on your general health rather than what your body looks like
- Stop comparing yourself to others
- Follow social media accounts that promote body positivity
- Exercise regularly and eat healthily
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Try not to let society’s pressures affect you