https://www.instagram.com/megfeather/?hl=enSocial media can have a big impact on the way its users feel about themselves and, while there are many positives to using networks like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, there are also some drawbacks. Our recent research found that 74 per cent of people back an age limit being put in place on images and videos on social media from celebrities and influencers - paid or unpaid - that promote or demonstrate the effects of cosmetic surgery or cosmetic procedures.
This is because many of you are concerned about the impact such images could have on young people, who might decide to undertake risky cosmetic procedures that they’re not physically or emotionally ready for in a bid to emulate influencers that they follow on social networks.
That being said, the popularity of social media shows no signs of abating. Avoiding it altogether might not be practical or even what you want to achieve. So, we have put together a guide that outlines some facts to be aware of and the latest research around social media and its impact on society. We focus especially on body image and how this can be affected when you use networks like Instagram.
We have suggested some accounts to follow that should have a positive rather than detrimental impact on the way you feel about your body. We have also come up with some easy ways to adapt your social media habits so that you are using it more mindfully.
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The Facts
Social media is an integral part of many people’s daily lives. It can often be the first thing you check in the morning and the last thing you look at in the evening. And while it has many benefits, there is a darker side to social media when it comes to body image and wellbeing. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has compiled some tips and facts about social media and body image to help you use it more mindfully.
22% of adults and 40% of teenagers said images on social media caused them to worry about their body image
23% of people think that adverts, paid promotional posts or other posts featuring cosmetic enhancements have a negative influence on how they feel about their own appearance
52% of people think that an equivalent of #ad should be used by celebrities and influencers to declare if they have had cosmetic (surgical or non-surgical) work if they are promoting any kind of health, wellbeing or beauty treatments and products on social media
Women underwent 92% of all cosmetic procedures recorded in 2018
84% of young people support safe social media being taught in PSHE lessons
68% of young people support social media highlighting when a photo has been manipulated
13 years old - the minimum age requirement for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat
1.56 billion daily active users on Facebook on average
In February 2019, Instagram pledged to remove all graphic self harm images from its website
70% of 12-15 year-olds and 20% of 8-11 year-olds who go online have a social media profile
78% of people aged 12-15 years old feel there is pressure to look popular
90% of people aged 12-15 years old say that people are mean to each other on social media, at least ‘sometimes’
The government published a white paper in April 2019 to explore online harms and opened this up for public consultation
In February 2019, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors and Save Face launched a petition asking Instagram to introduce an age restriction of 21 on content from verified ‘blue tick’ celebrities and influencers who advertise, feature or demonstrate the effects of cosmetic surgery and procedures
64% of patients who found their cosmetic surgery practitioner on social media chose them based on price
Top body positivity Instagram accounts
We’ve chosen some of the top body positivity accounts out there for you to follow, let us know your favourites on Instagram - #CosmeticFilter
With more than 1 million followers on Instagram, Megan promotes body positivity and feminism and shares inspirational messages and imagery from her colourful account.
The brainchild of Jameela Jamil, I Weigh advocates inclusivity and asks followers to share information about themselves that reflects their personality and passions, rather than their physical attributes.
Activist and motivational speaker Harnaam is a body confidence advocate and regularly talks about her frustrations with gender stereotypes and pressure to look a certain way.
Michelle launched her Scarred Not Scared campaign to open up a conversation about living with scars and to encourage people to share the remarkable stories behind their scars. She promotes body confidence and uses her account to discuss hard-hitting issues.
Kelvin is a model, blogger and activist who champions body positivity. As well as sharing his own images, he offers tips to help others find their own body confidence.
The hit Netflix show Queer Eye is all about living your best life and embracing what makes you unique, and the show’s Instagram account is no different. With words of wisdom from the stars of the show, the account is uplifting and inspiring.
Action for Happiness is a charity that aims to build a happier and more caring society. The Instagram account shares daily tips on how to bring this ethos into your daily life and make positive changes.
Munroe is a British model and activist, and is an influential transgender campaigner. Her Instagram account includes Munroe’s opinion on topical news, campaigning issues and lifestyle images.
How to use social media more mindfully
Cleanse: Look through the accounts that you follow and determine whether you feel positive or negative about the content. Do not be afraid to perform monthly ‘culls’ where you unfollow any accounts that have a detrimental effect on your mood
Block: Use the block function and report any unsuitable content, either from people who you suspect to be spam, or who you do not want contact with
Mute: Most social media platforms have a mute or hide function that allows you to stop seeing content from an account on your homepage or newsfeed, without the need to officially unfollow or delete them
Hashtag: Following inspiring hashtags can help you to curate a feed of content that boosts your mood and reflects your interests. Instagram will suggest hashtags based on content that you frequently engage with
Time Limits: Your mobile device can tell you how much time you spend on different apps and some handsets allow you to limit this to a certain number of minutes per day. There are plenty of apps that can do this too, putting you in control of how much content you see each day
Stop: If social media is making you feel bad and it is becoming a chore rather than a pleasure, do not be afraid to come off it completely. It is your account and your choice.
Contact us today
Has your cosmetic breast implants surgery left you with questions and concerns about the success of your procedure? If so, contact us today.
To speak to our expert solicitors about whether you can make a claim for breast implant compensation, call 0808 159 5255 or fill in the quick contact form here to request a call back.
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Mike Saul
Partner
Michael Saul is a partner at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, where he brings his extensive specialist legal expertise and passion for helping people to the forefront of his work. With a proven track record of success in cosmetic surgery negligence cases, Michael has dedicated his career to providing clients with the highest level of representation and achieving favourable outcomes.
