Social media in particular creates appearance pressures. Although young women’s awareness of appearance pressures increases, it is not enough.
The vast majority, or up to 92 % of women represented by the Z generation, undergo appearance pressures, at least from time to time. This is illustrated by a study conducted by Lumenen and Mind Association. The newly published study was conducted in December 2024 and attended more than 1,000 16-28 year olds living in Finland.
In a study, appearance pressures refer to the social or cultural pressure experienced by the individual to look certain or to achieve the so -called ideal appearance.
Psychologist of the Student Health Care Foundation Roosa Karttunen Confirms that the appearance pressures experienced by young people have increased. Although the psychologist’s office does not come directly in appearance, but in mental health problems diagnosed with a doctor, appearance pressures and body image often appear in discussions.
– Youth is a sensitive time to build your own body image. In the history of mankind, it has always been compared to others and it has always put pressure. Thus, appearance pressures are not just a phenomenon of the 2020s, Karttunen says.
Distorted images
Although the appearance pressures are proven to be common, Lumenen’s research says that they are still not talked about enough, and they are not directly sought for help.
In increased appearance pressures, the media, and in particular social media, is of enormous importance. Before themselves, they were compared to peers and friends, and their own parents also had a big role. Now, social media brings to the eyes of all each other more polished and perfect images, which are not easy to distinguish what are true, staged or created by artificial intelligence.
Filters and image editing are very much used. The perfect social characters made with artificial intelligence have also become more common.
– It is important to teach young people to be critical. For perfect pictures, young people understand that they are not true, but knowledge of it is not enough for the human mind: the images still affect us. Media literacy alone is not enough, Karttunen says.
The image world of the media distorts what is normal. Karttunen emphasizes that the catalog should be more versatile and show that we are not all in the same mold.
– As a result of the catalog available, many normal weight young people think they are overweight.
Ideally increased
In recent years, the glorification of leanness has strengthened, which according to Karttunen says the appearance of Western culture. Own part of society is valued by how we present ourselves and how others see us.
– Your body is considered an important tool for presenting your own self. The body is a kind of status symbol. For example, leanness tells about self -discipline – that I do not eat, go to the gym and run a marathon. The pores should not be visible and the waist could be a little narrower. Man is a social sport and we all want to be in the group, including in appearance.
Social media does not facilitate appearance pressures, and reality no longer looks so good after filters and compared to the pictures of others. Expectations and pressures are inaccessively high.
Awareness of appearance pressures and the unrealistic of the media created by the media has clearly increased in recent years. We are going for the better, but according to Karttunen, it is not enough.
– Many people are aware that, for example, the glorification of leanness is not good. Fortunately, many adults have woken up and do not want to talk to their children about losing weight.
According to Karttunen, appearance pressures can cause, for example, self-esteem problems, a sense of inadequacy, and difficulty in getting involved in social situations. Eating disorders and various body image disorders have increased. They belong to the same phenomenon as other appearance pressures.
About one third of those who responded to Lumene’s survey have encountered discrimination, bullying and criticism related to appearance. According to a study by a domestic cosmetics giant, appearance pressures can lead to, for example, anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
According to the study, in particular, body shapes such as weight, height or muscularity cause many appearance pressures. The second list is the well -being of face skin. About half of women aged 16-28 experience uncertainty and inadequacy in their appearance. For men, the corresponding figure is almost one in three.
– Continuous dissatisfaction with your own appearance can be really distressing. If you don’t feel charming enough, it can pose challenges in all the closest relationships, such as friends and relationships. For example, has a partner ever seen cellulite before – can I be naked with him? All kinds of appearance pressures can be reflected in relationships, Karttunen says.
Appearance pressures of depression and anxiety
The impact of appearance pressures on mental health is clear: more than half of the women in Lumene’s study say their appearance pressures have caused them anxiety and depression. For men, the corresponding figure is 26 %. As a result of the pressures, many have avoided social situations and self -expression. Only half of those involved in the study feel that they are free to look like themselves and dress as they want regardless of their gender.
Two out of three women say appearance pressures cause stress, anger and self -esteem. One third of those involved in the study experience isolation, loneliness or externality due to pressure. One third has also experienced discrimination, bullying and criticism of appearance.
According to the survey, one third says that they use time and energy for their appearance only because of the appearance pressures they have experienced. Young people feel that natural beauty is not enough and many find themselves uncomfortable with makeup with friends or colleagues.
In loved ones the greatest meaning
According to Karttunen, those close to you are very important in facilitating appearance pressures, as the comments of your loved ones are trusted. Friends should encourage each other and it is important for parents to have a positive attitude towards their own children.
– It is important that parents do not talk about their own losing weight when the children hear, and the coaches do not comment on the appearance of young people. The weight of the other must not be praised, even if it seems like a positive comment. I would like to have body peace for everyone, Karttunen says.
Karttunen emphasizes a genuinely positive, widespread idea of beauty. For example, how the body works. It is a good idea to move in order to be able to cope and not to be narrower. Changing speech plays an important role.
– How I can enjoy my body with exercise, how I can serve my body and respect its needs. How can I offer my body nutrition and sleep that I have a good time, Karttunen lists.