Nov 09, 2024 05:46 PM IST Social media fuels unrealistic body images with pervasive depictions of only muscular body shapes, causing muscle dysmorphia. Generally, body image issues stemming from unrealistic beauty standards on social media are primarily discussed in terms of how they affect women. For a long time, the focus was on women struggling with the skewed beauty images on social media. However, a study from the University of South Australia, published in New Media & Society examined male body image issues as they too are affected by skewed portrayals of toned abs and biceps on TikTok and Instagram. Social media male body representation has a bias towards muscular body shapes. (Shutterstock) The emphasis on muscular physiques in social media portrayals of men’s bodies triggers insecurity in men consuming this content and leads to muscle dysmorphia, a mental health condition where people obsessively believe their muscles are too small or weak, despite having a healthy physique. They develop low self-esteem issues. ALSO READ: Curvy women are more attractive: Study says curves define attractiveness rather …