The impact of social media on mental health is a hot topic of discussion, with many saying the constant comparison and negative feedback can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. A recent study conducted in France revealed that 66% of respondents said they were demotivated by sport because of what they saw on social media.
The study authors believe this is a worrying trend, as physical activity is essential for maintaining good mental health. They advise people to be mindful of how much time they spend scrolling on social media, and to take breaks if necessary. What do you think ? Is social media having a negative impact on your mental health?
Following: the image of a surreal world.
In recent years, social media has become a huge platform for people to share their lives and experiences with the world. However, with this increased visibility comes a greater responsibility to present a positive image to the public. This is especially true for athletes, who are often seen as role models. Unfortunately, many athletes feel pressure to showcase an unrealistic and unreachable body type on social media. Which can lead to negative body image issues in young people.
In fact, according to a recent study by ASICS, 56.2% of French people believe that sports photos showing extreme physical transformations should be banned on social media. While it’s important to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming an elite athlete, it’s also important to remember that not everyone’s body is built the same. Social media should be used as a platform to celebrate diversity, not suppress it.
Transformation before – after: How could it harm our mental health?
As anyone who has ever scoured social media can attest. It’s too easy to get caught up in the comparison game and start feeling bad about yourself. We compare ourselves to others. We let ourselves be taken by the highlights of each person’s life. And we may even begin to believe that what we see is reality.
But there’s one aspect of social media that I think is particularly harmful, and that’s before-and-after transformation posts. You know them: someone posts a photo of themselves before they started exercising, then a photo of themselves after months or years of dedication. While there’s nothing wrong with being proud of your transformation, I think these types of posts can be harmful for two reasons.
First, they can make us feel like we’re not good enough. We see someone’s transformation and we think, “I could never look like this” or “I must be doing something wrong because I’m not seeing results.” Second, they can make us feel like we’re not doing enough. We see someone’s transformation and we think, “I should exercise more” or “I should eat better”. Either way, these thoughts can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.
The Asics brand has demonstrated its slogan: “sound mind, sound body”
A new study from ASICS highlights how social media can harm our mental health. The company surveyed 2,000 French adults and found that 76% of them believe that the obsession with the perfect body harms their mental health. While 66% say they are demotivated by “before/after” transformation photos on social media.
In collaboration with influencer Juliette Katz, the Asics brand took advantage of World Mental Health Day to recall the importance of staying active for our mental well-being. The influencer shared a post on Instagram revealing her before/after transformation during a 15-minute workout. The post does not show any physical change, but reveals a fulfilled aspect of the influencer. Which means that his moral state has changed after just fifteen minutes of training.
For ASICS, it is important to continue to promote the benefits of sport and physical activity. Both for body and mind. That’s why the brand is committed to providing products and services that help everyone progress in their fitness journey and lead an active life every day.
The message is simple:
The next time you see a post about before-and-after transformation, try to remember that it’s just one person’s story and doesn’t reflect what’s possible for you. Focus on your own journey and celebrate your own successes, big or small.
So if you need a little motivation to get moving today, remember that even a short run or walk can do wonders for your state of mind.
