In an era of social media, it is no surprise that people have an increasing amount of access to their favorite celebrities. Then again, it can also be argued that while this access can be positive in many respects, it can also be problematic in some cases. Bella Hadid has always been the center of attention in the public eye, and her latest Instagram posts have caught the attention of social media users for all the wrong reasons. In this article, we will look at why Bella’s thinning figure is a concerning issue, and how it presents an unrealistic measure of beauty that is far from attainable.
I. Introduction to Bella Hadid’s Social Media Image
Bella Hadid, born Isabella Khair Hadid, is an American fashion model who has amassed a significant social media following. She was born in October 1996 and is currently a highly sought after fashion model in the fashion industry. She has modeled for leading brands such as Versace and Dior, and has been featured in campaigns for leading designers such as Tom Ford, Gigi Hadid, and Alexander Wang. She has also appeared in popular magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Bella is renowned for her presence on social media. She has over 43 million followers on Instagram, where she posts personal and professional images. She also has over 14 million followers on Twitter and over 10 million followers on Facebook. She is also active on YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, and her posts often garner an immense amount of attention and engagement from her followers.
The way Bella uses her social media presence is integral to her overall image. Her posts present her as a fashion icon, giving her audience a glimpse into her lifestyle, interests, and photoshoots. She strategically showcases her relationships with friends and other models, while keeping her posts relatable and aspirational. Her aesthetics also provide a platform for her to express artistry through fashion.
- Over 43 million followers on Instagram
- 14 million followers on Twitter
- 10 million followers on Facebook
- Active on YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok
II. Health Implications of a Skinny Body Type Aesthetics
It is a common cultural belief among many countries that having a “skinny” body type is desirable, and many strive to be thin to achieve this look. However, this aesthetic has a number of health implications, both physical and mental, that should be considered.
Physical Implications
- Extremely low body fat: Difficulty regulating body temperature and inadequate production of important hormones, like leptin.
- Amenorrhea: A condition where menstruation ceases.
- Physical activity and exercise become limited, as severe physical stress can impede the recovery and healing process.
- Frequent Illness: Without sufficient energy and nutrients, the immune system may become weakened, making one more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
Mental Implications
- Eating Disorders: A common pathway to a “skinny” look is through the adoption of unhealthy eating practices.
- Depression: The obsession to be thin can cause extreme body dissatisfaction and low self esteem.
- Low self-confidence: The constant need to live up to a certain body image can be exhausting and unhealthy.
- Anxiety: Worrying about being judged by others may cause constant anxiety and a feeling of not being sufficient.
Striving for a “skinny” appearance should be done in a healthy and balanced manner. Avoid extreme diets, a fixation on body weight, and unsafe exercise practices to ensure a healthy physical and mental well-being.
IV. Unhealthy Attitudes Surrounding Insta-Glamour
The rise of social media platforms like Instagram has enabled influencers to document almost every aspect of their lives. With the age of Insta-Glamour comes certain harmful aspects:
- Pressure to Fit a Certain Image – The photos and videos shared mainly portray a perfect and idealized version of the influencers. This can lead to pressure to fit that same ideal, including adapting a certain lifestyle, buying specific items, following specific trends, and more.
- Impersonal Relationship – There is an increased tendency to document numerous aspects of life online and at times this leads to an impersonal relationship between influencers and their followers. The perception of an ideal lifestyle feeds jealousy and feelings of inadequacy.
- Stereotypical Representations – Insta-Glamour propagates certain stereotypes of appearances and lifestyles. This and other unhealthy attitudes overemphasised sensations of perfection to the extent of becoming the ideal.
The rise of Insta-Glamour encourages a dismissive attitude towards self-care and healthy living, where influencers tend to focus more on appearances, glamour, and other unsustainable attitudes rather than on mental and physical health.
On the other hand, Insta-Glamour also affects the trustworthiness of influencers and the accuracy of information shared online. This has implications for the authenticity of their followers’ experiences and can shape an unrealistic perception of the world, rather than one that reflects more the realities of everyday life.
V. The Realities Behind the Photos We See on Social Media
We often forget that even the most seemingly perfect photos on social media can be deceiving. The images we see on our newsfeeds are often a small part of a larger story that we’re not always being exposed to.
For one, retouching is a frequent practice used to change the physical appearance of a person or object. It might be subtle things like reducing wrinkles or smoothing out skin complexions, or more extreme alterations like using body shaping tools. Photos can be edited to alter the shape of a person’s body to make them look a perfect ‘hour-glass’ size.
It’s also worth considering that many people go to great lengths to curate the content they post on social media. It’s not uncommon for people to stage certain situations and activities, such as a seemingly impromptu dance performance or brunch, in order to show only the best parts of their day and make it look like they’re living an enviable life full of happiness and excitement.
Ultimately, Bella Hadid’s heavily-edited and idealized Instagram photos should act as a reminder of what potential health repercussions this narrow version of beauty can have on ourselves, and those that follow us. To recognize the message behind her images — that glamour should not come at the expense of health — would be an invaluable first step towards counteracting the activities of an industry that is often more concerned with capitalizing on user-engagement than championing models of all shapes and sizes.
