The Body You Learnt To Criticise – Body Image, Comparison, Social Media and Self-Worth

In this episode of Grow As I Go, we unpack body image and the complicated relationship so many of us have withthe way we look. This conversation explores how body image is often far deeper than appearance itself - touching identity, belonging, self-worth, comparison, ageing and the human desire to feel accepted.I explore the psychological impact of growing up surrounded by beauty standards, diet culture and media scrutiny, particularly through the 90s and early 2000s, and how social media has intensified self-comparison in ways humans were never designed for. From filters and edited perfection to childhood insecurities that stay with us into adulthood, this episode dives into why body image affects almost everyone, even when logically we know the standards aren’t real.I also share personal reflections on ageing, weight fluctuations, social comparison, adolescent experiences thatshaped my insecurities, and the ongoing process of learning to speak to ourselves with more compassion instead of criticism. This episode is a reminder that body image isn’t just a women’s issue - it’s a deeply human one.Key takeaways:Body image is often connected to identity, belonging, validation and self-worthHumans were never designed to analyse their own appearance constantlySocial media and technology have amplified self-comparison and self-surveillanceGrowing up in the 90s and 2000s exposed many women to harmful beauty standards and body shamingEven when we know images are edited, our emotional brains still absorb unrealistic standardsBody image struggles affect men too, although they are often discussed less openlyMany insecurities begin in adolescence through comments, experiences or social environmentsHealing body image may not mean loving every part of yourself — but spending less time at war with your bodyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to body image and self-perception01:30 How technology changed the way we see ourselves03:20 Growing up in the 90s/2000s beauty standard era06:10 The psychology behind body image and emotional comparison09:20 Why body image affects men too11:15 Childhood insecurities and the experiences that shape us16:00 How adults unintentionally pass down insecurities17:40 Learning to speak to ourselves with more compassionFollow Grow As I Go on Instagram @growasigopodcast