Everyone experiences feelings and thoughts everyday and unfortunately it is becoming very negative for many people. Research suggests these negative thoughts have a direct correlation to the use of social media. The Mental Health Foundation (2014) highlighted one in five young New Zealanders are likely to experience anxiety and depression and Statista (2019) found that 74% of New Zealanders use social media. Social media has developed significantly over time with technology and has become a significant part of people’s day-to-day lives in the 21st century. Unfortunately, it comes with many flaws. For instance, social  comparison, insecurity and poor self esteem leading to distorted thoughts and mental health issues.

 

My photography project focuses on the thoughts and physical appearance of the true human body. The presence of advertisers on social media fuels the feeling and sucks users into a negative reinforcing spiral. It encourages people to measure themselves against others. I want to dive into the emotions and bodies of models who experience these exact issues. People are becoming more impressionable and are susceptible to social comparisons, ultimately being brainwashed. I want to capture the curves and insecurities of my models who have been very brave to let me take photos of their bodies.

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