Social Media’s Role in Redefining Beauty Standards
Social media has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life, and its influence on beauty standards is no exception.
For decades, beauty ideals for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curvaceous figure in the 1950s to the ultra-thin frames of 1990s supermodels, society’s idea of the “perfect” body has shifted over time. However, a consistent theme has been the pressure on women to conform to a singular standard, often dictated by pop culture and advertising.
In contrast, social media has significantly expanded the definition of beauty. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. This inclusivity is reshaping how people view their bodies, offering representation that goes far beyond the size 0 models traditionally seen in mainstream media.
Plus Size Becomes the New Norm
As American women increasingly embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows that the average body size is also changing.
A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education highlights a shift in what is considered “average.” While it was once commonly stated that the average size for American women was 14, the study reveals that the average woman now wears between a misses size 16 and 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W. Additionally, the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past two decades.
“We hope this information reaches both the industry and consumers,” said Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, in an interview with Today. “Understanding these figures can have a profound impact on women’s self-esteem. The apparel industry needs to recognize that these women are here to stay and deserve inclusive clothing options.”
Why Are American Women Getting Larger?
The average size of American women has increased over the past several decades. According to the CDC, the average weight of an American woman is now approximately 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s. Multiple factors contribute to this trend:
- Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and an increased reliance on processed foods play significant roles.
- Cultural Shifts: Greater acceptance and celebration of diverse body types have reduced societal pressure to adhere to extreme dieting.
- Genetics and Environment: Genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as stress and access to healthy foods, also influence body size.
Beyond Appearance: A Health Perspective
While larger body sizes are increasingly celebrated, the medical implications cannot be ignored. Obesity rates have doubled since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. Social media, while fostering inclusivity, has also been criticized for promoting unhealthy lifestyles and sedentary habits that contribute to weight gain.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue.” It is a medical condition that increases the risk of numerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
A New Era of Beauty
True beauty lies in celebrating individuality rather than conforming to a rigid standard. Social media has been instrumental in spreading this message and has the potential to reshape beauty norms in a positive way when used thoughtfully.
What’s your take on social media’s impact on beauty standards? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to gather more perspectives!
Zac Efron’s Appearance a Few Days Ago Leaves Fans Shocked and Worried
Zac Efron’s fans were left shocked when they saw his new face in a recent interview he did for Entertainment Weekly. The 36-year-old was promoting his new movie, The Iron Claw, but it’s his fuller and bigger facial features that got most of the attention.
His appearance went viral.
Looking handsome in a simple white t-shirt alongside his co-stars Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson, Zac’s latest appearance went viral. Many people asked, “What happened to his face?” and flooded the internet with questions and observations such as, “His face is huge now,” “What happened to his jaw?” and “His face doesn’t even move now.”
Others were also quick to draw comparisons and find similarities between Efron, David Hasselhoff, or Rob Lowe. While someone wrote, “Woah, he looks like the villain in Avengers: Endgame,” and another noted, “I could see him being the Joker.”
However, many fans were quick to come to the actor’s defense and explain that his jaw was shattered in a car accident, and he underwent procedures to get it restructured, which is why he looks different now.
Efron’s face sparked debate in the past as well.
This is not the first time that the 17 Again actor’s face sparked online debate. Back in April 2021, people wondered why the lower half of his face looked so different as the actor starred in Facebook Watch’s “Earth Day Musical.”
Efron finally explained the reason for this transformation back in October 2022 when he appeared on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. He shared with the magazine that he broke his jaw when he was running around his house in socks. He slipped and hit his chin on the hard corner of a stone fountain.
During his recovery, the High School Musical star shared that certain facial muscles tried to compensate for the injury. He worked with a physical therapist to help with this. However, when he took a break from therapy, he noticed that the jaw muscles, called masseters, grew much larger.
To learn more about the truth behind the plastic surgery rumors, and Zac’s explanation, then check out this article.
Preview photo credit Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Abaca/East News, Entertainment Weekly / YouTube
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