While social media provides a platform for self-expression, communication and community, it often presents an idealized version of reality rather than a realistic representation of everyday life. It's easy for users to compare themselves to others, even though most social media posts are inaccurate representations of a person's “normal” life.
Social media users, especially celebrities, often curate their images to represent the best version of themselves. Many social media platforms have tools for editing and filtering photos and videos. Celebrities and other users may use these features to enhance their appearance or manipulate content.
With the rise of plastic surgery and the photo editing app Facetune, celebrities often knowingly or unknowingly set unrealistic standards for their followers to compare themselves to. Many users have developed a fixation on appearance and often comment on a public figure's appearance because their life is so easily accessible via social media.
Commenting on a celebrity's appearance can cross boundaries, especially if the comments are disrespectful, invasive, or judgmental. While it may seem harmless to some, these comments can be hurtful, contribute to body shaming, and perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards.
Comments about the weight of celebrities, especially women, are often met with criticism.
For example, pop singer Lizzo is constantly criticized for her weight. Lizzo is known as a “plus-size icon” because she is one of the few representations of her body type in the music industry. While she is often praised for her body positivity, she continues to be body shamed online.
Twitter user Laya Heilpern said: “How can Lizzo still be SO fat when she's constantly moving around so much on stage?!” I wonder what she eats.”
Although she typically ignores these comments, Lizzo clapped back with a response on Twitter.
“I just logged in and opened the app and this is the kind of s— I see about myself on a daily basis,” Lizzo said.
On the other side of the spectrum, celebrities like Ariana Grande, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner are often criticized for being “too skinny.” Ultimately, some Internet users comment on celebrities' bodies no matter how big they are.
A change in a celebrity's appearance often makes headlines, be it a rumored plastic surgery, weight loss, weight gain or a new hairstyle. Sometimes this type of comment can cross a line, especially when it comes to a public figure's health.
Recently, Kate Middleton was in the headlines after she wasn't seen in public for months due to abdominal surgery in January. After images of Middleton and her family released by Kensington Palace appeared to have been digitally altered, rumors about her well-being spread online.
These conspiracy theories took over social media. Some users thought she was missing, underwent other surgeries, or died. Middleton eventually released a video explaining that she was battling cancer and wanted privacy as she dealt with her diagnosis.
Another example of this type of intrusion into a celebrity's life is Scott Disick, who recently made headlines for his sudden weight loss. Pictures of Disick showed him frail and much thinner than usual, with sunglasses obscuring his face. The rumor mill was that Disick had an “ozempic face” or was on drugs.
Actor Chadwick Boseman also commented before his death in 2020. Boseman posted a video on Instagram talking about the #Operation42 social media initiative and was noticeably thinner than usual. While some were generally concerned about his health, others made jokes and memes about his appearance.
Shortly after, Boseman's family released a statement on Twitter saying the actor had died of colon cancer. After Boseman died, a fan, Haley Ruth Spencer, made a Facebook post highlighting the ignorance of the comments on the Instagram post.
“I remember people taking it upon themselves to make jokes, tweets, memes, etc. about changing his appearance,” Spencer said. “They called him 'Crack Panther.'” And now we all know he's changed because he died of colon cancer. To me, this was all a reminder to please not comment on people’s bodies, especially their weight changes.”
Boseman's death sparked some discussion about the public's comments on public figures' appearances, but it made little difference. The public continues to comment on the appearances of celebrities like Middleton, Lizzo and Disick.
Social media users continue to make judgments about celebrities' bodies, regardless of what boundaries they cross.
@camiseymore
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