Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Social Media Use

There’s an established link between body image, eating disorders, and social media usage.

• A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health established a correlation between the frequency of appearance comparisons on social media and increased levels of body dissatisfaction and a drive for thinness, irrespective of an individual’s BMI.
  • The study discovered higher incidences of body image disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health difficulties among young social media users.
• The American Psychological Association found that adolescents and young adults who reduced their social media use by 50% saw a noticeable improvement in their body image, suggesting a direct link between social media consumption and body image dissatisfaction.
• According to a study published in “Eating Behaviors” journal April 2023, the type of content consumed on social media, rather than the duration of exposure, significantly impacts body image disturbances and disordered eating behaviors.
  • Findings indicate that exposure to weight loss content is associated with negative body image and disordered eating, while body positive/neutral content does not offer protective effects, suggesting that interventions should focus on the nature of social media content rather than the time spent on platforms.

The impact of social media on body image and the development of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has become increasingly evident.

The pervasive use of filters and photo editing apps on social media platforms has significantly contributed to unrealistic beauty standards, fostering low self-esteem, depression, and even BDD among users.

It is crucial for parents, healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers to acknowledge the link between social media and body image issues.

If you or your child have suffered from body image issues due to social media use, it can be beneficial to engage with a mental health professional and utilize techniques like talk therapy and positive self talk.

What is Body Dysmorphia?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one’s physical appearance, which are often minor or unnoticeable to others.

Individuals with BDD experience significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning due to their concerns about their appearance.

Those with BDD often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming, checking mirrors, seeking reassurance, or undergoing repeated cosmetic procedures in an attempt to fix or hide perceived flaws.

Despite these efforts, individuals with BDD typically remain dissatisfied with their appearance and may experience heightened anxiety, depression, and social isolation as a result.

BDD can manifest in various forms, with common areas of concern including skin imperfections, facial features, body shape or size, hair, and overall symmetry.

The perceived flaws may be real or imagined, but the distress and preoccupation they cause are very real to the individual experiencing them.

Social Media’s Influence, Beauty Standards, and Body Dissatisfaction

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) emerges from a complex interplay of factors, including genetic predisposition, psychological traits, and environmental influences.

One of the factors that can cause or aggravate BDD is societal pressure or expectations of beauty, specifically from social media consumption.

Social media platforms can shape societal ideals of beauty by promoting curated images, filters, and editing tools that present unrealistic body standards.

Users are exposed to images that may not reflect reality, fostering feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with their appearance.

Social networking sites create a distorted mirror for users, who are bombarded with images far removed from the diverse realities of human bodies, leading to heightened feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with their own appearance.

Pressure for Social Validation

Social validation has taken on a new dimension with the culture of likes, comments, and followers on social media platforms.

This system equates personal worth with physical attractiveness and popularity online, intensifying the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards.

As individuals strive for acceptance and recognition on social media platforms, the pursuit of an idealized image becomes an endless quest, overshadowing intrinsic values and self-acceptance.

Dopamine-Driven Feedback Loop

The instant gratification of social media engagement, coupled with dopamine-driven feedback, perpetuates a cycle of self-criticism and obsession with achieving unattainable levels of perfection.

Each like, comment, and share acts as a mini-reward, spiking dopamine levels and fostering an addictive cycle of posting and checking for validation.

This cycle not only exacerbates symptoms of body dysmorphia but also traps users in a perpetual state of self-surveillance and criticism, as they chase the fleeting satisfaction of social media approval.

Impact on Passive Consumers and BDD

The influence of social media on body image and BDD extends beyond active participants to include passive consumers.

Even individuals who do not actively post content are susceptible to the harmful effects of constant exposure to idealized images.

Passive consumption can skew self-perception, reinforcing negative body image and exacerbating BDD symptoms.

The comparison with an endless stream of polished and perfected images can erode self-esteem and contribute to a distorted view of one’s own body, irrespective of the user’s engagement level with the platform.

Mitigating Strategies and Awareness

Recognizing the detrimental effects of social media on body image, it is crucial for individuals, educators, and healthcare professionals to promote social media literacy and awareness.

Strategies such as curating a positive social media feed, limiting screen time, and fostering communities that celebrate diversity and body positivity can mitigate the negative impact.

Advocating for realistic representations of beauty and body standards on social media platforms is essential in challenging and reshaping the harmful norms perpetuated on social media.

The pervasive influence of social media on societal beauty standards, coupled with the inherent pressures for social validation and the addictive nature of digital engagement, plays a significant role in the development and exacerbation of BDD.

Social Media Algorithms and Mental Health

Social media platforms employ complex algorithms designed to keep users engaged and scrolling for extended periods.

Algorithms, while intended to enhance user experience, can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly concerning body image and self-esteem.

These algorithms often prioritize content that aligns with perceived user preferences, which can inadvertently amplify exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and highly curated images, intensifying feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt among users.

The constant bombardment with such content not only skews perceptions of normalcy and beauty but also fosters a comparative mindset, where users measure their worth against the often-unattainable benchmarks set by influencers and peers.

The addictive nature of these algorithms, designed to maximize user time on the platform, can lead to excessive social media consumption, exacerbating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to body image.

The Cycle of Endless Scrolling and Its Impacts

Social media algorithms are finely tuned to prioritize content that maximizes user engagement, leading to an unending flow of curated images and videos that cater to each user’s specific likes and interests.

This design strategy ensures that users are continually presented with content that keeps them hooked, encouraging prolonged engagement with the platform.

As users scroll deeper into their feeds, they are bombarded with a relentless stream of photos and videos from models and influencers, intensifying the allure of endless scrolling.

Constant exposure to idealized representations can heighten users’ susceptibility to negative self-comparison and deepen dissatisfaction with their own bodies.

The mechanism of endless scrolling not only traps users in a cycle of comparison but also amplifies feelings of inadequacy, as the digital illusion of perfection becomes a skewed benchmark for self-evaluation.

The Distortion of Reality Through Filters and Edited Images

Social media’s landscape is dominated by a “filtered reality”, where content is meticulously curated to showcase idealized lifestyles and appearances, setting unrealistic beauty standards.

Social media sites, saturated with images of perfection, can blur the lines between the virtual and the real, leading users to develop skewed perceptions of beauty and self-worth.

As individuals consume this content daily, the distinction between an online persona and actual human features becomes increasingly vague, fostering a culture of comparison and self-doubt.

The pervasive use of filters and photo editing tools contributes to a collective illusion of flawlessness, compelling users to measure their own worth and appearance against unachievable benchmarks.

This relentless pursuit of perfection, fueled by the artificial standards portrayed, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, pushing individuals toward negative self-evaluation and dissatisfaction with their genuine selves.

Social Media: Negatively Impacting Body Satisfaction

Repeated social media exposure to idealized body images on social media can fuel feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.

This constant exposure can intensify self-criticism and foster a harmful self-image, as individuals grapple with the pressure to conform to the unrealistic beauty standards championed by influencers and celebrities.

Although there are movements within social media aiming to celebrate diversity and promote body positivity, the pervasive influence of these idealized images cannot be underestimated, particularly among younger audiences.

The discrepancy between the authenticity of real bodies and the polished perfection seen online can create a chasm of self-doubt and insecurity, leading to a detrimental impact on mental health.

Social media, therefore, can act as a double-edged sword: while it has the capacity to connect and uplift, it also harbors the potential to perpetuate harmful beauty ideals and undermine self-esteem.

Social Media and the Promotion of Cosmetic Surgery

Social media platforms, notably Instagram and TikTok, have become influential in shaping perceptions about beauty and body image, and there has been a consistent rise in content which promotes cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Plastic surgeons on Instagram often showcase before-and-after photos of cosmetic surgery, creating a narrative that such transformations are both desirable and attainable.

A 2023 study found a significant increase in public interest for both surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures on Instagram after April 2012, suggesting that Instagram’s rise as a popular platform has influenced people’s likelihood to consider undergoing plastic surgery.

TikTok, known for its short, engaging videos, has seen a surge both in content from plastic surgeons sharing content on and selling their services for cosmetic procedures, and influencers normalizing the use of filler, botox, and other cosmetic treatments.

The algorithms of these platforms often push content related to cosmetic surgery to users who have shown interest, creating an echo chamber that amplifies the appeal of cosmetic enhancements.

Social media contributes to the increasing acceptance and normalization of cosmetic surgery, as users are constantly exposed to idealized images that may not accurately represent reality.

However, this trend also raises concerns about the impact on individuals’ body image and self-esteem, as constant exposure to such content can create unrealistic beauty standards.

While Instagram and TikTok have the power to inform and influence, they also bear the responsibility to promote content that encourages a healthy and realistic perception of beauty.

Social Media Addiction and Other Mental Health Implications

The underlying algorithms of social media platforms, designed to captivate users’ attention with ever-refreshing content, significantly contribute to the addictive allure of these sites and applications.

Social media addiction and modern algorithms not only foster unrealistic beauty standards but also precipitate a spectrum of negative mental health outcomes, as observed by numerous mental health experts.

These problems can include not just body image issues but the following as well:

• Increased eating disorder risk
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Suicidal ideation, thoughts, and attempts
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This cycle of social media addiction underscores the profound impact of these platforms on the psychological health of its users, specifically young people.

The algorithms that dictate the flow of content on these platforms are not merely neutral tools for user engagement but are highly influential in the mental health of young users.

TorHoerman Law is accepting new clients who have suffered from the effects of social media-induced body dysmorphia and other mental health problems.

If you or a loved one has suffered from body image issues due to social media exposure, reach out to us.

What is the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

Concerns have mounted over the impact of social media on mental health, with scientific studies being published, whistleblowers at major companies revealing startling internal documents, and a recent Senate hearing addressing these issues.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized lawsuits filed by social media users and families into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

MDL is a legal procedure that centralizes individual lawsuits from across the United States into one court under a single judge to streamline pretrial processes such as discovery, pretrial hearings, and settlement discussions.

The Social Media Addiction MDL specifically addresses lawsuits filed against social media companies by individuals claiming that the companies’ platforms have contributed to addiction and subsequent mental health issues.

The centralization of these lawsuits into an MDL is intended to reduce the burden on the court system, avoid conflicting rulings in different jurisdictions, and facilitate a more efficient legal process for both plaintiffs and defendants.

The key difference between an MDL and class action lawsuits lies in how the cases are treated and processed.

In a class action, multiple plaintiffs with similar claims are combined into a single lawsuit, and they are represented collectively by a member or members of the group.

The outcome of a class action applies to all members of the class, and compensation is divided evenly among all class members.

In contrast, in an MDL, while the pretrial proceedings are consolidated, each plaintiff retains their individual lawsuit.

In an MDL settlement, each qualifying claimant would receive a settlement that is determined according to the facts and circumstances of their individual case.

If the cases do not settle or get dismissed during the MDL process, they may be sent back to their original courts for trial.

This distinction allows for the personal aspects of each plaintiff’s case to be preserved, which is particularly important in personal injury cases like those involving social media addiction, where the extent and nature of harm can vary significantly between individuals.

These lawsuits target major social media platforms for their alleged role in exacerbating mental health issues, including body dysmorphia among young users.

Overview of Civil Actions Against Social Media Platforms

Numerous civil lawsuits have been filed against prominent social media giants like Facebook and Instagram for mental health problems and addiction among social media users.

These lawsuits allege that the design and functionality of these platforms contribute to negative mental health outcomes, including body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Apart from civil lawsuits filed by individuals, more than 41 states have also filed lawsuits against these platforms for contributing to mental health issues in their constituents.

Social media companies named in the litigation include:

• Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
• Snapchat (Snap Inc.)
• TikTok (ByteDance Inc.)
• Youtube (Google LLC)
• Alphabet Inc.

Legal Arguments and Allegations

The key allegations and arguments made in the Master Complaint filed in the Northern District of California against social media companies focus on claims of negligence, strict liability, and other wrongful conduct related to the design, development, and operation of social media platforms.

These allegations argue that the platforms have contributed to addiction, mental health issues, and other harms among users, especially minors and young adults, and the main points include:

1. Strict Liability for Design Defects: The complaint alleges that the social media products were defectively designed in a way that made them inherently dangerous, particularly to minors and young adults. It argues that the platforms’ designs exploit users’ psychological vulnerabilities to create addictive engagement, leading to compulsive use and various mental and physical harms.
2. Failure to Warn: It is claimed that the companies failed to adequately warn users about the risks associated with the addictive nature of their products and the potential for harm to mental health, thereby leaving users, especially young ones, unaware of the dangers posed by excessive use of social media.
3. Negligence in Design, Development, and Operation: The complaint asserts that the companies negligently designed, developed, and operated their platforms without regard for user safety, prioritizing engagement and profit over the well-being of users. It emphasizes the lack of effective measures to protect users from the platforms’ addictive features and harmful content.
4. Fraudulent and Negligent Misrepresentation: Allegations include that the companies misrepresented the safety and effects of their platforms on users’ mental health, concealing or downplaying known risks and adverse effects associated with social media use.
5. Violations of Consumer Protection Laws: The complaint accuses the companies of engaging in unfair and deceptive business practices by promoting their platforms as safe while knowing the potential for harm, especially to minors, thereby violating various state consumer protection laws.
6. Wrongful Death and Survival Actions: For cases involving the most tragic outcomes, the complaint includes claims on behalf of the estates of individuals who have died as a result of alleged social media-related issues, seeking damages for wrongful death and survival claims.
7. Loss of Consortium: Claims are made on behalf of family members for the loss of companionship and affection resulting from the adverse effects of social media addiction on a loved one.

Responses and Defense Strategies from Social Media Companies

Social media companies have fired back at the lawsuits, defending themselves through a variety of strategies.

Section 230

One strategy has been to invoke Section 230.

Under this law, channels (like social media platforms) are immune from litigation since these enable free speech.

The law also protects social media platforms from all liabilities arising from user-generated content.

The argument used by social media companies is that users have control over what they see on their feeds.

Hence, any mental health risks resulting from content is because of what users choose to engage with.

Critics, mental health professionals, and lawyers from all over the country have criticized this strategy as overlooking the addictive nature of social media.

These parties also criticize the Section 230 defense as not considering the potential harm caused by algorithmic manipulation — something Meta is guilty of based on Frances Haugen’s revelation to Congress.

Challenging Causality

Social media companies often challenge the direct causation between their platforms and the alleged mental health issues experienced by users.

They argue that while social media may play a role in shaping perceptions and behaviors, it cannot be solely blamed for individual experiences of body dysmorphia or other mental health disorders.

Companies may cite research showing mixed or inconclusive evidence regarding the link between social media usage and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the complexity of the issue.

Seeking Dismissals

Social media companies have filed motions to dismiss the lawsuits, arguing that the plaintiffs’ claims lack legal merit or fail to meet the necessary legal standards.

Companies have asserted that the plaintiffs have not provided sufficient evidence to establish a causal link between their platforms and the alleged harm suffered by users.

They’ve also pointed out that the claims are preempted by existing laws or regulations governing online content and user interactions.

Do You Qualify for the Social Media Body Dysmorphic Disorder Lawsuit?

Individuals who have developed Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), or family members of individuals who developed BDD due to excessive social media use may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation.

It is incredibly important for individuals who believe they may qualify to contact a law firm that is handling these cases.

An experienced lawyer will help you gather crucial evidence for your claim, and help assess and calculate relevant damages in your case to ensure that all possible compensation is advocated for.

If you or a loved one have suffered from body dysmorphia due to social media’s impact, you may be eligible to take action.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the free and confidential chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Social Media Harm Lawsuit instantly.

We’re here to help you.

TorHoerman Law: Accepting Clients for Social Media Lawsuits

If you or someone you know has been affected by body dysmorphia due to social media, you may be eligible to file a claim and hold social media companies accountable for their role in perpetuating mental health problems.

At TorHoerman Law, we are committed to advocating for the rights of individuals impacted by social media-induced mental health issues.

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate support and pursuing justice on behalf of our clients.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit instantly.