By Jeffrey Du and Chun Yuan Ong

The rise of technology and social media in the 21st century has given unnatural body images a new form of power against young, impressionable teenagers. Influencers and celebrities often set unrealistic benchmarks through deceptive practices. The media teenagers consume is a combination of stellar genetics, photoshop, lighting, and, in some cases, steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. As William Hua, a senior from SASPD, put it, ‘It had always felt like an achievable goal’ when he was asked about fitness influencers who were not natural (natty). Issues have risen as these influencers and celebrities lure teens who strive to attain the same physique to purchase their products. Teens are now under the pressure of social media to attain a certain physique and some even experience body dysmorphia. 

For most young boys, the initial motivation to start working out is often rooted in the desire for a certain appearance. However, the ideal male physique has undergone significant changes throughout history, from the muscular and lean ‘godly’ builds the ancient Greeks revered to the slender and thin looks of the 1960s. While striving to build muscle and appear more masculine can be a healthy pursuit for men of all ages, the current trend of mimicking fitness influencers and Hollywood actors who have obtained their physiques through unnatural means is promoting unhealthy body images. 

Today, the pressure on young men and teens from social media and Hollywood movies to be muscular and toned has influenced perceptions of masculinity and values. When people see actors’ physiques in movies like Thor (Chris Hemsworth), they create an image of what they want to be like. This is damaging as teens with strong, healthy bodies may feel inadequate when comparing themselves to these body types. Moreover, not all influencers or actors are fully transparent, which may mislead teens who desire to look like them. For example, Liver King, with 6.1 million followers on Instagram, promotes a diet of what he calls the “ancestral lifestyle” with raw meat, was recently exposed to have lied about steroid use. Pressure to achieve certain physiques can cause teenagers to spend excessive time in the gym, forcing themselves to eat, or taking excess supplements. 

Body standards are constantly evolving, making it unnecessary to conform to the current trends. Personal satisfaction and self-improvement should take precedence over what is seen online. A healthy body is important, but so is a healthy mind. Thus, it’s crucial to do things that make you happy. The gym culture at SASPD is generally positive, with working out being a healthy and social activity. When asked for advice he would give to beginners at the gym, Kairen, a junior, aptly remarked, ‘I would say, enjoy it. Because in terms of looks… it should be only for your personal satisfaction.’ Ultimately, working out at the gym should be for health and self-improvement, not to meet unrealistic expectations. Remember, the gym is a place for positive change and self-improvement.