In today’s fast-paced world, social media has had a profound impact on how we perceive beauty. For many years, society’s view of beauty was largely shaped by popular culture and advertisements, with only a few narrow standards defining what was considered beautiful. In the 1950s, for example, Marilyn Monroe’s curvy figure was seen as the ideal. Fast forward to the 1990s, and the preference had shifted to very thin models.
Each decade had its own prevailing beauty standard, often emphasizing certain body types or features, leaving little room for diversity. However, in the age of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, we are now witnessing a more inclusive definition of beauty, one that celebrates people of various shapes, sizes, and skin tones.
The Rise of Inclusivity
Social media platforms are playing a crucial role in changing the narrative around beauty. Today, we see a broad range of body types and identities being celebrated. The diversity highlighted on these platforms is breaking free from the old standards, where the thin model dominated every magazine and TV screen. Instead, more and more people are embracing and showcasing their natural beauty, regardless of size or appearance.
Plus-Size: Embracing the New Normal
A significant shift is taking place, especially in the United States, where more women are becoming comfortable with accepting and loving their bodies, no matter the size. Research indicates that American women are naturally becoming larger, with studies challenging the previously held notion of the “average” size.
A report published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education highlights that the average woman’s size has shifted. Where size 14 used to be the norm, the average American woman now wears a size 16 to 18, which corresponds to a plus-size 20W. Furthermore, waist sizes have increased, with the average waist now measuring 37.5 inches compared to 34.9 inches two decades ago.
Susan Dunn, a leading researcher in the field, noted that this data is crucial for helping women understand their self-image. She also stressed the need for clothing brands to recognize these sizes and provide a wider range of options that fit well and are easily accessible, both in stores and online.
The Impact of Social Media on Lifestyle
While social media has provided many benefits, such as creating connections and spreading positive messages, it has also quietly influenced some negative lifestyle changes. With its rise, the World Health Organization has reported a significant increase in obesity rates since 1990. Social media can sometimes promote sedentary behavior or unhealthy habits, which are associated with weight gain.
While embracing fuller figures is a positive movement, the Mayo Clinic reminds us that obesity, which has become a global health concern, brings with it several health risks. These include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver problems, sleep apnea, and even certain types of cancer. This highlights the importance of balancing body positivity with health and wellness.
Beauty Beyond Appearance
At the end of the day, beauty is no longer about fitting into a particular mold or achieving a certain look. It’s about celebrating individuality and embracing what makes us unique. Social media continues to play a significant role in spreading this message, encouraging people to value themselves for who they are, rather than adhering to outdated beauty standards.
If used thoughtfully, social media has the power to reshape beauty ideals in a way that focuses on self-acceptance, inclusivity, and wellness. Let’s continue the conversation! What are your thoughts on how social media is influencing our views on beauty? Feel free to share and get your friends involved in the discussion!
