Are you struggling with looking at yourself in the mirror after a 5-hour doom scroll session with TikTok? Do you feel insecure about your appearance or feel you are less than because of TikTok's beauty standard? You've come to the right place! This article will enlighten you on how the beauty industry profits from your insecurities and five ways to confront your self-doubt to take back your peace and power when using social media.
How does the beauty industry affect one's mental health?
The beauty industry thrives on promoting unrealistic beauty standards and profiting from societal insecurities, often at the expense of the viewers mental and emotional well-being. The easiest way to do this is by manipulating the beauty standard every few years. In the early 2000s, the style of cheetah print and low-rise bottoms was considered in style. This style also promoted thigh gaps, flat stomachs, and an hourglass shape. This affected plenty of young impressionable girls at the time to do some harmful things to themselves to fit that demographic of beauty. Therefore, these young girls develop depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia because they wanted to emulate an image of their favorite pop group.
Selling an image
Beauty standards play a significant role in the development of disordered eating habits, as they often glorify unrealistic body ideals. Women often feel immense pressure to conform to these standards, leading to harmful behaviors like extreme dieting, binging, purging, or over-exercising. The obsession with thinness, perpetuated by the media and the beauty industry, can cause individuals to resort to dangerous methods to achieve their desired look. Examples include the rise of fad diets, detox teas, and even more invasive measures like cosmetic surgeries to alter one’s appearance. These extreme beauty trends not only harm physical health but also take a toll on one’s mental well-being, fostering a culture of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.
Profiting from self-doubt
The beauty industry thrives off of people being able to repurchase their products. According to Global Edge, "the industry is expected to reach close to $736 billion in global revenue by 2028." The profit margin of this industry is so big because we repurchase items from this category from sunscreen, and toilet paper to cologne. To continue to bring in profit they use a form of marketing that targets our insecurities. It works because the longer society seeks validation externally the easier it is to sell status and a dream.
Signs you’ve been affected by insecurity marketing
Insecurity marketing subtly influences how we perceive ourselves, often making us feel inadequate or flawed. Signs that you’ve been affected include frequently comparing yourself to images or people in ads, feeling compelled to buy products to "fix" perceived flaws, or constantly seeking out beauty and self-improvement solutions. You may also notice a decline in self-esteem, where you feel uncomfortable with your natural appearance or body. Another sign is believing that achieving a certain look or purchasing a specific product will lead to happiness, confidence, or social acceptance, even when those changes don’t bring lasting fulfillment. When it comes to shopping if you find yourself buying or doing things to be perceived by others, you have been affected by insecurity marketing.
5 ways to reclaim your power
1. Set your intentions
What is the purpose of using social media? Get clear with setting this intention every time you're using Instagram and TikTok to protect your peace of mind. By setting your preferences, you can create your timeline to focus on what you want to see and how you want to feel. Start by unfollowing people that you compare yourself to in a negative way, those who sell a lot of products that'll "change your life", and drama pages. Reset your timeline and start engaging with posts that make you feel empowered to be better and reach your goals.
2. Be realistic
AI is reshaping how we see ourselves by amplifying unrealistic beauty standards through filters, deep fakes, and enhanced digital images. If you feel insecure about how you look then focus on changing it or embracing what you look like. Focus on being your source of validation, so you don't waste a lifetime living up to one you'll never reach.
3. Challenge intrusive thoughts
Reprogramming your mind is a lot harder to do after being conditioned to think and act in a certain way, so concentrate on how you want to show up in the world. Challenge each thought that wants you to care about what others think to something that makes you feel like the center of your world in a positive light. You'll notice that your thoughts will be focused on how to live as the authentic version of yourself in no time.
4. Rebuilding Self Worth
Take time out to appreciate, love, and nurture yourself. From a young age, we seek the validation of our parents, our spouses, and colleagues, leading us to forget that we determine the standard of the company we keep around ourselves. Nurture your weaknesses and embrace your strengths to know that you're already whole.
5. Practice being present
Be present in every moment that you share with yourself and others. It's so easy to look back at old prom photos and notice how hideous your makeup was at the time or how much thinner you were at that time too. Remember that you did the best with what you had at that time and if you weren't at your best how can you recreate that moment for yourself? Don't let the negative thoughts be a thief to a good learning moment about the past. Enjoy yourself at every stage of life and trust that you can have plenty more good moments.
Reinvent yourself today
Embracing your true self can be challenging, especially in a world that quickly judges and sets rigid standards. However, you're not alone—many professionals face the same struggles, and there are ways to overcome them. Whether you're a corporate executive, business leader, or seasoned entrepreneur, the strategies outlined above can help you reshape your personal narrative. If you're ready to begin a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, I invite you to book a coaching session today. Together, we can break free from the pressures of image-driven expectations and unlock your full potential, both personally and professionally.
Read more from Bryonni Roseman
Bryonni Roseman, Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Bryonni Roseman is a leader in building emotional intelligence, trauma counseling, and shadow work. The isolation that came with COVID-19 left her with finding strategies to heal on her own, which blossomed into her shadow work program that she shares with others today to heal and connect with their higher selves. She has since dedicated her life to sharing the techniques that come with healing the soul.
