Social Media and Body Image: New Study Shows 37% Feel Worse After Scrolling

Did you know that 37% of people say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies? That’s the headline from a new study that digs into how our feeds affect self‑perception. If you’ve ever felt a pang of insecurity after scrolling, you’re not alone.

What did the new study find about social media and body image?

The research, published in ScienceDirect, surveyed over 55,000 participants and discovered a strong correlation (r = .454) between frequent social comparison online and heightened body‑image concerns. In the same sample, 37% of respondents reported feeling worse about their bodies after viewing images on social platforms.¹

How significant is the 37% figure?

That percentage translates to millions of users worldwide. It’s not a marginal annoyance; it’s a public‑health signal that the visual culture of social media can erode self‑esteem, especially for those already navigating body‑positivity journeys.

Why does scrolling make people feel worse?

Several mechanisms are at play:

Social comparison: Seeing curated, often edited images sets an unrealistic benchmark for appearance.
Algorithmic reinforcement: Platforms surface content that generates high engagement, which frequently includes “ideal” bodies.
Internalized ideals: Repeated exposure can shift personal standards, making everyday bodies feel “not enough.”

These findings echo earlier work in MDPI Nutrition, where 34.6% of participants felt motivated by athletic images, while a similar 37% felt worse after seeing them.²

What can you do to protect your body image online?

Here are three concrete steps you can start applying today:

1. Set boundaries with your feed

Schedule specific times for scrolling and stick to them. Use phone settings or apps that limit social‑media usage after a set duration.

2. Curate who you follow

Unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings. Follow creators who celebrate bodies of all sizes, share realistic movement, and discuss mental health openly. My own experiment of unfollowing 47 accounts dramatically reduced my daily anxiety (read more).

3. Practice mindful scrolling

Before you open an app, ask yourself: “What am I looking for? Am I seeking inspiration or validation?” If the answer leans toward validation, consider closing the app and doing a grounding exercise instead.

Where can you find more support?

These resources dive deeper into daily practices that reinforce body positivity:

5 Simple Practices to Strengthen Your Body Positivity Every Day — actionable habits you can embed into any routine.
Mirror Work: The Practice I Swear By — a concrete exercise for reframing self‑talk.
Boundary Scripts for Family Comments About Your Body — scripts to protect your mental space when loved ones comment on your size.

Takeaway

Social media isn’t inherently harmful, but the way we engage with it can amplify body‑image struggles. By curating your feed, setting intentional limits, and leaning on supportive resources, you can reclaim your scroll time as a space for empowerment rather than comparison. Remember: the next time an image makes you feel uneasy, you have the tools to step back, reflect, and protect your well‑being.