Given that we photograph people while naked, we frequently hear people’s opinions about their bodies. Many tell us they want to join a photoshoot but are held back by their dissatisfaction with their bodies. Others ask us to take down photos they find unflattering. It’s taken us a long time to get used to seeing our own bodies at every angle, so we decided to start a series that explores the complex relationships we have with our bodies.
A myriad of factors play into this relationship. When we declare our queer identities, we step into a world full of preconceived notions of what it means to be masculine and queer. That world is obsessed with youth, fit bodies, and model good looks. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram intensify this issue, bombarding us with daily images of the ideal form. We scroll and see feeds full of carefully selected pictures of idealized beauty. It’s nearly impossibly not to constantly compare and scrutinize ourselves. Our exposure to these deceptively curated images and relentless stream of perfection distorts our perception of reality, amplifying the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Our relationships with friends and family also shape our views of our bodies. Perceived expectations from loved ones can wield significant influence, contributing to feelings of pressure to change our appearance to conform. Whether it’s subtle comments or more overt pressures, the opinions and judgments of those closest to us can leave a lasting imprint on our body image and self-esteem.
The impact of these factors cannot be overstated. It’s no wonder we think about our bodies all the fucking time.
To kick off this series we wanted to get the lay of the land and learn more about the impact of body image on Natural Pursuits’ community. So, we asked our Twitter followers to participate in a survey. The response was overwhelming with 130 individuals sharing their thoughts and feelings about their bodies. [Also, if you’re just here to look at naked people, scroll to the end of this piece.]
Survey Results
The survey results have provided thought-provoking insights into our relationship with our bodies. As we analyze the results, we’ll identify future topics to explore in this series.
Eighty-two percent of respondents reported thinking about their bodies on a daily or multiple times per day basis. This prevalence of constant self-reflection confirms our assumption that body image concerns are pervasive in our community. It’s clear that we think about our bodies. A lot.
One particular question that stood out was, “Are you satisfied with your body?” This response showed the most diversity in answers. Nearly half of the participants expressed some level of dissatisfaction, with 18.5% reporting being very dissatisfied and 30.8% feeling somewhat dissatisfied. Only a small percentage, 7.7%, reported being very satisfied with their bodies. Put in another way, 64% of people who filled out the survey felt ‘meh’ about their bodies at best.
In order to gauge the influence of various factors on our body image, we included questions in the survey that explored their impact. When looking at the results, we weren’t surprised to learn that almost everyone who filled out the survey compared their bodies to those of others—an overwhelming 91.5%. As we continue this series, we want to explore this issue more, try to figure out why and if its helpful, harmful, or a little bit of both.
When we asked about the impact of social media, the results revealed a significant effect of social media on our perception of self and body image. An overwhelming 86.2% of respondents indicated its influence. This finding supports our earlier discussion on the constant exposure to meticulously curated images of idealized beauty on Twitter and Instagram. This series will explore the complex relationship we have with social media and its impact on our self-perception.
When it comes to feeling pressure from family or friends to change their bodies, the survey results showed an almost even split among respondents. Approximately 47.7% of participants reported not experiencing such pressure, while 52.3% indicated that they have indeed felt this influence from their loved ones. These results raise questions about the underlying dynamics within our personal relationships and the impact they can have on our body image.
Further exploration of this topic could shed light on the specific sources and forms of pressure, as well as potential strategies for fostering more supportive and inclusive environments that promote body acceptance and self-love.
The survey explored the impact of social media and pressures from friends and family influence our mental well-being and physical health. The survey results paint a concerning picture when it comes to feelings of shame or embarrassment about one’s body. An overwhelming majority of respondents, approximately 84.6%, reported experiencing these negative emotions. This finding hints at the pervasive impact that body image concerns can have on our mental well-being. The high percentage suggests a significant need for exploring the underlying causes of this shame, its severity, and developing strategies to combat it.
When examining the responses to the question “Have you dieted or exercised excessively in an attempt to change your body?”, we discovered that 56.9% of respondents admitted to engaging in these behaviors. This statistic highlights the significant number of individuals who have resorted to extreme measures in pursuit of altering their bodies. It is worth noting that frequent dieting is often encouraged by medical providers as a means of achieving health goals. However, it is essential to distinguish between exercising for the sake of overall well-being and engaging in excessive exercise as a means of changing one’s appearance. While regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health, excessive exercise driven solely by the desire to conform to societal beauty standards can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental well-being. It is important to explore the underlying motivations behind these behaviors and foster a healthier understanding of body image and self-care.
The survey results to the question “Have you ever sought professional help to address body image concerns?” revealed that a majority of respondents, 77.7%, have not sought professional assistance. However, 22.3% of participants indicated that they have sought help in addressing their body image concerns. This finding raises important questions about the barriers or reasons preventing individuals from seeking professional support. Throughout this series, we will further explore the factors that hinder individuals from accessing professional help, as well as examine the potential benefits and importance of seeking assistance to improve body image and overall well-being. By shedding light on these aspects, we aim to provide valuable insights and resources for individuals within the Natural Pursuits community and beyond.
Exploring our relationships with our bodies is one of the primary motivations behind Natural Pursuits. We are thrilled that our community is eager to engage in this conversation. The survey was just the beginning, and we’re excited to delve deeper into the factors that impact how we feel about our bodies and, by extension, ourselves.
We are here to challenge societal norms, promote self-acceptance, and advocate for feeling good in our bodies. We eagerly anticipate hearing more from you and learning about your experiences, insights, and perspectives as we continue this crucial discussion.
We know this topic is heavier than our normal post, so we invite you to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and joy that’s possible when we spend less time obsessing about our bodies and more time enjoying them.
Enjoy this series of photographs by Ben Boyles, captured during a Natural Pursuits photoshoot. These images encapsulate the essence of camaraderie and intimacy reminding us that our worth extends far beyond our physical appearance.
Let’s embrace our bodies, support one another, and have a ton of fun doing it.
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