Advertising Insecurities

There are many positives to the internet. People are about to connect with others, as well as learn new things. The internet often acts as a source of relief for many teens and young adults. In a world where the internet is a huge factor in society; everyone being consumed by its additive TikTok dances and trendy instagram posts, sometimes many people discredit the negative side of the internet. While scrolling through social media, it’s hard to not get caught up in what seems like everyone else’s perfect life. It makes it quite easy to look and question your own. People find themselves questioning if there is something wrong with them and wondering why their bodies don’t look like the women in those Instagram pictures. Sometimes even with people preaching body positivity, it can be tough to look past your own insecurities. The sad truth is that the media leeches off insecurities; that is what makes them money. Such as detox juices or diet pills. Is there some benefit to them, maybe but in no way can they be beneficial to everyone. These large companies project unrealistic body standards onto their audience in hopes that their audience will feel insecure enough to try and fix their ‘issue.’

There is definitely more talk about it in the media now. Many influencers on TikTok such as Victoria Garrick or Spencer Barbosa. The majority of their content is centered around positivity and lifting other people up. Sometimes what people need is an authentic influencer who isn’t afraid of showing off cellulite, stomach rolls, etc. It helps when people see someone they can relate to through the screen, they feel heard and less alone.

However even if influencers such as Victoria Garrick, there are still issues that need to be fixed. Society has an obsession with ‘conforming to the beauty standard’. Why are things such as cellulite, stomach rolls, and hairy arms considered unattractive? They are all normal and shouldn’t be deemed as unappealing. It also doesn’t help when society praises those who have abs, an hourglass figure, flat stomach and fuller lips; however, the majority of people don’t fit that description. Society has built this unattainable beauty standard, which feeds to insecurities; as well as feeds eating disorders and mental health disorders.

Despite many people still struggling with body image, there has been a change in the way the media has started to portray it. Many big companies don’t care but there are many people who have come forward; sharing their struggle with body image issues. In the past few years, smaller businesses have started to incorporate body positivity into their products; helping people learn to love their bodies.