Body Positivity During the Pandemic
Social media, led by TikTok has given teenagers something else to worry about during the age of COVID
By Mackenzie Pisani, reporter
Social media, led by TikTok has given teenagers something else to worry about during the age of COVID
By Mackenzie Pisani, reporter
As a teen living through the COVID-19 pandemic, life blew up only a few months ago. Alongside that drastic moment came a peak of social media use, particularly the newly famed app TikTok; an app used by all as a time filler, provider of news, and receptor of advertisements. One of the most prominent trends I have noticed in the field of advertisements was that of “get thin quick”, or “build that booty” ads. They are everywhere, practically inescapable; sometimes even wedged between posts about loving yourself and your body- how ironic. In a time already stressful enough, it seems dangerous to continue to promote hardcore workout regmines and strict diets. At the same time, social media use is up, meaning that those with “perfect bodies” are praised, and are seen more and more, so, of course, these ads have targeted the insecurities of their audiences. In the face of those who tell us there is something we need to fix, it is essential to learn how to reject these schemes, and instead learn to love our bodies, extra quarantine weight, or not.
On average, I would guess that I see more than 30 of these types of ads every day, often promoted by stereotypically pretty, thin girls with taglines such as, “Lose the quarantine weight”, or “How to flatten your tummy fast!” What we must understand, to begin, is that these ads often promote unhealthy and dangerous fads to young audiences. Some of these products being sold are often extremely problematic, such as selling “tummy teas”, or hardcore workout plans on a 1200 calorie diet, which could be detrimental to one’s health, leaving them undernutritioned. On top of that, they spread the idea to the consumer that there is something that they need to fix, as if putting a little weight on isn’t normal during a 6 month quarantine. Regardless, these behaviors could lead to unhealthy eating and exercising patterns, which could lead to more serious issues such as eating disorders. We must recognize that the products being promoted in these ads do not care for our well-being, and they do not care if you are healthy. What they do want is to prey on your insecurities and worries, but we must remember that body image is not a simple matter: not every body is going to look the same!
In order to gain body confidence in the face of these ads, we must recall some simple truths.
1. It is okay for your body’s weight to fluctuate, this is healthy and normal!
2. If you gained weight during the quarantine, you cannot think less of yourself; weight does not equal worth.
3. Many of these ads promote dangerous trends that could be harmful to both physical and mental health.
4. We must take care of our bodies, both physically and mentally, because they take care of you. 5. Finally, whatever your body looks like right now, it is beautiful, and you should be proud of it.
In short, the face of quarantine has become one of body shame and embarrassment, but we cannot let that be so. Instead, we must remember we are so much more than what our bodies look like. So, the next time you see one of these ads; please remember that if you are healthy and happy, you don’t need to change a thing.
For some more resources on body image and healthy living, consider checking out these links.
https://thebodyimagecenter.com/
https://www.healthline.com/health/fatphobia-in-a-pandemic
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-people-don-t-diet/202008/body-positivity-social-media-is-work-in-progress
On average, I would guess that I see more than 30 of these types of ads every day, often promoted by stereotypically pretty, thin girls with taglines such as, “Lose the quarantine weight”, or “How to flatten your tummy fast!” What we must understand, to begin, is that these ads often promote unhealthy and dangerous fads to young audiences. Some of these products being sold are often extremely problematic, such as selling “tummy teas”, or hardcore workout plans on a 1200 calorie diet, which could be detrimental to one’s health, leaving them undernutritioned. On top of that, they spread the idea to the consumer that there is something that they need to fix, as if putting a little weight on isn’t normal during a 6 month quarantine. Regardless, these behaviors could lead to unhealthy eating and exercising patterns, which could lead to more serious issues such as eating disorders. We must recognize that the products being promoted in these ads do not care for our well-being, and they do not care if you are healthy. What they do want is to prey on your insecurities and worries, but we must remember that body image is not a simple matter: not every body is going to look the same!
In order to gain body confidence in the face of these ads, we must recall some simple truths.
1. It is okay for your body’s weight to fluctuate, this is healthy and normal!
2. If you gained weight during the quarantine, you cannot think less of yourself; weight does not equal worth.
3. Many of these ads promote dangerous trends that could be harmful to both physical and mental health.
4. We must take care of our bodies, both physically and mentally, because they take care of you. 5. Finally, whatever your body looks like right now, it is beautiful, and you should be proud of it.
In short, the face of quarantine has become one of body shame and embarrassment, but we cannot let that be so. Instead, we must remember we are so much more than what our bodies look like. So, the next time you see one of these ads; please remember that if you are healthy and happy, you don’t need to change a thing.
For some more resources on body image and healthy living, consider checking out these links.
https://thebodyimagecenter.com/
https://www.healthline.com/health/fatphobia-in-a-pandemic
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-people-don-t-diet/202008/body-positivity-social-media-is-work-in-progress