Social media have revolutionized almost every aspect of modern life, and according to a study, they have also had a significant impact on beauty standards.
Historically, beauty standards for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curves in the 1950s to the slim figures of supermodels in the 1990s, the ideal body type has changed with each generation. However, there remained one common thread: the expectation that women adhere to one standard was often dictated by popular culture and advertising.
Social media platforms have diversified beauty standards more than ever before. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are home to creators of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This shift towards inclusivity is changing the way people view their own bodies, and for the first time, the audience is seeing representation beyond size 0 models in mainstream media.
Plus is the new average
Interestingly, while American women embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows that they are also growing larger than before.
According to a study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, the term “average” has been redefined.
Previously, American women were told that the average size is 14, but the research suggests that “contrary to popular assumptions, the clothing size of the average American woman (AAW) is larger than expected.”
“The average American woman wears between a misses’ size 16 to 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W,” reveals the study, which also found that the average waist circumference has increased over the past two decades from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches.
“We hope this information becomes known and can be used by both the industry and consumers. Simply knowing where the average is can help many women with their self-image,” one of the study’s lead experts, Susan Dunn, told Today. “And we hope the clothing industry sees the figures and knows that these women are not going away, that they are not disappearing, and they deserve clothing.”
She adds, “That clothing must fit well, both in style and in sizes, and also be available elsewhere than behind corners or online only, is still a controversial topic.”
Why are American women getting larger?
Statistics show that the average American woman is now larger than in previous decades. According to the CDC, the average American woman weighs about 77 kilograms, compared to 63 kilograms in the 1960s.
Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Lifestyle changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and the availability of processed foods play a significant role.
- Cultural shifts: Larger bodies are more accepted and celebrated, reducing societal pressure to obsessively diet.
- Genetics and environment: Genetics, combined with environmental factors like stress and access to healthy food, play a role in shaping body sizes.
No ‘cosmetic concern’
Social media has undoubtedly changed the way we connect, consume, and live. But while its influence has brought many positives, such as global connectivity and access to information, it also has a dark side: the subtle but significant contribution to rising obesity rates, which according to the World Health Organization have doubled since 1990.
From promoting unhealthy habits to encouraging sedentary behavior, social media plays a role in shaping lifestyles that can lead to weight gain. While big may be beautiful, the Mayo Clinic warns that “obesity is not just a cosmetic issue.”
“It is a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems,” the clinic writes about the 2.5 billion overweight adults worldwide. “Health problems include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.”
Ultimately, beauty is not about fitting into a mold but about embracing individuality. Social media reinforces that message – and if used carefully, it can continue to redefine beauty standards in empowering ways.
What are your thoughts on social media and its influence on beauty standards? Let us know what you think and share this story with your friends so we can hear from them too!
