The Hidden Toll of Social Media Influencers on Women's Mental Health

Anyone can feel insecure after spending lots of time on social media. But women in particular are susceptible to feeling anxious and depressed after scrolling on these platforms. Many influencers target a female audience, and women are already subjected to intense pressure to meet certain expectations. Therefore, social media exposure simply compounds this pressure. Worst of all, it’s often coming from influencers who claim to be relatable and “real” for their followers. Yet they still only display the highlight reels of their own lives.

Influencer content can be more persuasive than traditional advertising. It can feel like you’re viewing posts from a friend. Yet, this is exactly why influencer marketing can be so detrimental to a woman’s self-worth. Here’s how influencer content can exacerbate anxiety and depression for women.

Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Influencers edit and enhance their visual content. Editing tools have improved over the years, and the changes are often so subtle that their followers do not really view these photos and videos as “edited.” Influencers also use photos and videos to sell beauty products and clothing to women. It’s easy to feel like you need these products when you go online and see so many women using them.

Offline, you probably encounter plenty of women who dress casually, wear little to no makeup, and do not place much emphasis on their physical appearance. But on social media, it can feel like looking a certain way is a requirement for being a woman.

Financial Stress

Influencers tend to promote expensive products and lifestyle choices. It can seem like everyone you follow is constantly jetting off to exotic destinations, buying property in pricy cities, updating their wardrobes, going to the spa or salon for new treatments, or throwing huge parties.

Women are the prime targets for most consumer advertising, as they are more likely to manage household budgets, and with this comes relentless pressure to spend, spend, spend. Influencers do not always disclose when they have been paid to promote a product or service, and it’s important to keep in mind that they fund their lavish lifestyles through brand partnerships. This is not a level of spending that the average person can realistically keep up with.

Pressure to Keep Up With Trends

In order to stay relevant, influencers are constantly chasing trends. Every couple of months, they might change their style, redecorate their apartment, or promote restaurants featuring different cuisines. Influencers often encourage women to buy new clothing, makeup, decor, and try specific hobbies in order to keep up with current trends and “fit in.” You might feel like your own life is boring or stale in comparison, or like everyone else is in on a trend but you.

Relationship Comparisons

On social media, everyone else’s romantic relationships can seem perfect. You may worry that your own relationship doesn’t stack up, or feel insecure because you’re single. Society teaches women that they need to have a partner, and influencers can reinforce that. Remember that influencers portray their relationships a certain way because it’s a form of branding, not because it’s real.

Constantly Questioning Life Decisions

When you spend hours each day seeing everyone else’s opinions, photos of their lives, and advice from influencers, you can start questioning your own path. Women are encouraged to follow their own life path, but when influencers promote conformity, you might wonder if you’re doing something wrong by following your own heart.

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Anxiety therapy can help you reduce your screentime and let go of expectations that you’ve picked up from social media. To find out how we can support you, call our office or fill out our contact form.