Digital media and how we think and feel about our body: minimising the bad, maximising the good

The rapid digitalisation of society has transformed how individuals view the world and themselves. One area where this transformation is particularly clear is body image, with digital media playing a role in how people think and feel about their bodies and what they consider to be beautiful or not.

This policy brief first describes body image and how it relates to physical and mental health. Next, it explores the complex relationship between digital media and body image based on decades of research, including how and why digital media can negatively affect body image and how and why digital media can positively affect body image. This knowledge is used to create the Body Image Decision Tool for Digital Media, which stakeholders can apply to help determine the impact of digital content on body image. Next, applications to the Digital Services Act and additional considerations are outlined. This policy brief concludes with policy recommendations that will guide efforts towards minimising negative body image and optimising positive body image for a more significant number of people.