B2- Upper Intermediate
An Instagram influencer from Russia has asked people to post photos of themselves not wearing any make-up. She believes in the idea of body positivity and is trying to spread it in Russia.
Men and women have found themselves battling identity issues due to the unrealistic beauty standards set by what they see on social media. It is used to promote ourselves, tons of celebrities, influencers, models and brands, also use it to sell themselves by creating an image of perfection. What exactly is the perfect beauty? How do we even define beautiful?
Read the article about how a young Russian Instagram influencer is advocating to push back against the pressure to display physical perfection on social media.
https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-49877327
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on flaunting physical perfection on social media?
- How does social media impact one’s self -image?
- Should we be comfortable to bare our physical imperfections? Why or why not?
- Do you think our personalities are more important than how we look?
- How can we further promote body positivity?
4 replies on “Embracing their Physical Imperfections on Social Media”
1. I think that social media are very dangerous in that aspect. People who flaunt about themselves probably use filters and retouch their photos and this is very dangerous for themselves because they have another perception of their real faces and bodies. And also is dangerous for the people who watch this post because they dont know the changes of the reality so they think the other people is perfect and they can compare with them and idolize the others.
2. It depends about the use of the social media and about your age. You have to keep an open mind and be able to not compare or create expectations. Teenagers are very problematic in this matter because they are developing their minds and if they use social networks they will compare without knowing that what they see is probably not true.
3. Obviously yes. We have to be comfortable with our body and show it. But I think that this is very difficult because in all the global history the complexes exists and they are motivated for the fear of be different to the others. So if the society normalize the different bodies, we will love ourselves easier.
4. Of course. Our personality is everything we have: the friends we make, the work we have… And our body change over the years, so we only have our personality for the rest os our days.
5. I think that some influencers are doing a great job. Before social media I have never hear about body positive and I have never watch some problems that I have or some problems that I dont have in other girl. So, the way to follow is continue like this and and remember more often that not everything we see on social media is really like that, and that they are just a tool for socialising with other people.
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1. Flaunting physical perfection on social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be a source of motivation and inspiration, encouraging people to take care of themselves. On the other hand, it often sets unrealistic beauty standards, making people feel insecure about their own bodies. When physical perfection is overly emphasized, it can create an illusion that appearance is the most valuable trait a person can have, which is far from the truth.
2. Social media can significantly shape how people see themselves. Filters, photo editing, and curated feeds can distort reality, making individuals compare themselves to an ideal that isn’t always real. This can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even mental health struggles like body dysmorphia. However, if used positively, social media can also be a platform for self-expression, body positivity, and self-acceptance.
3. Yes, absolutely! Embracing imperfections helps normalize them, breaking the cycle of unattainable beauty standards. Nobody is flawless, and showing real, unfiltered images helps others feel comfortable in their own skin. When people embrace their uniqueness, it fosters self-confidence and inspires others to do the same.
4. While physical appearance can make an initial impression, a person’s character, kindness, intelligence, and humor are what truly define them. Beauty fades, but personality lasts. In deep and meaningful relationships—whether friendships or romantic connections—personality always outweighs superficial beauty.
5. Support Unfiltered and Realistic Content – Engage with influencers who promote natural beauty and self-acceptance.
Encourage Self-Love – Remind people that their worth isn’t tied to their appearance.
Speak Up Against Body Shaming – Challenge harmful comments and beauty standards.
Celebrate Diversity – Embrace different body types, skin colors, and features.
Be Kind to Yourself – Avoid negative self-talk and appreciate what your body does for you.
You were able to write your answers well. Great job using idiomatic expressions!
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Keep up the impressive job!