Have you ever stared at the social media pages of an Insta Influencer and wondered how on earth you could even start to achieve the seemingly unobtainable levels of beauty and perfection that they almost waft effortlessly as they lounge in sunny climates, or houses that cost more than your soul might possibly be worth?
Indeed, have you asked yourself bitterly how they make enough money to own a home (maybe even several homes) that look like they rolled straight out of a Harlan Coben series? (Seriously, have you never noticed that none of the cast ever live in a two-bedroom end of terrace!)
Well….the answer is…some of them are just really lucky bastards… some of them don’t, it’s all an illusion…..and………. a lot of them aren’t actually real.
We aren’t talking filters here, or well curated photographs. We aren’t talking Air BnB’s passed off as their own homes, or a cheeky cosmetically enhanced bottom. THEY.AREN’T. REAL. They don’t live and breathe, they don’t think, or move, or watch Eastenders in their pants when the cameras are off. They don’t exist!
Recently, a new phenomenon has taken over: AI-generated social media accounts. Created through advanced machine learning algorithms, these images can be frighteningly realistic.
While AI art is fascinating and innovative and let’s face it, just totally and utterly mind blowing, it has also sparked discussions about its potential effects on mental health, particularly regarding body image on social media platforms.
The rise of AI-generated images promotes unrealistic beauty standards that are impossible to attain. As though filters and editing tools weren’t bad enough!
Worryingly, the constant exposure to artificially perfected images can blur the line between reality and fantasy, leaving people with distorted perceptions of beauty. The impact on mental health is profound. As AI-generated images continue to gain popularity, there’s a growing pressure to conform. Users may feel compelled to portray themselves in similarly flawless ways, often resulting in over-editing photos or striving to meet unrealistic beauty goals. When we constantly measure our worth against these idealised standards, feelings of inadequacy can intensify. The pressure to look a certain way can fuel self-criticism and diminish self-esteem. For some, the exposure to AI-created perfection can trigger or worsen body dysmorphia, a condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. The more they see these perfect images, the more distorted their self-image becomes.
So how can you protect yourself?
The good news is that as this trend continues to grow, there are steps we can take to protect our mental health.
It’s essential to remain critical of what we see online and to understand that many of these images are not representations of reality. Aim to curate your social media feeds to be a little healthier by following accounts that promote body positivity and mental health awareness. Check out @TheBodyPositiveMum, @Vickaboox, or @bbethalexandra.
It’s also helpful to unfollow accounts that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and make us feel inadequate.
Practicing self-compassion is vital tool. Challenge the inner saboteur and embrace your own unique qualities. Remind yourself that we are worthy and valuable for being exactly and wonderfully who you are.
Above all, limiting exposure to social media is also beneficial, especially when scrolling leads to anxiety or self-doubt. Take breaks and focusing on activities that make you feel good (yes that might look like watching Eastenders in your pants!).
The more we embrace the true and glorious beauty of imperfection, the better we can counteract the harmful effects of AI-generated perfection.