Social media has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life, and according to a study, it’s also had a sizable influence on the standards of beauty.

Historically, beauty standards for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curves in the 1950s to the waifish figures of 1990s supermodels, the ideal body type has changed with each generation. Yet, one consistent thread persisted: the expectation for women to conform to a single standard was often dictated by pop culture and advertising.

Social media, however, has diversified  beauty standards like never before. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are home to creators of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This shift toward inclusivity is reshaping the way people view their own bodies and for the first time, audiences see representation beyond size 0 models in mainstream media.

Plus is the new average

Interestingly, as American women are embracing body positivity and size inclusivity, research reveals they are also getting bigger than before.