A colorful logo for a company called full of beans

Social Media and the Impact on Perception of Self & Body Image from a Research Perspective with Gemma Sharp

In this week's podcast, Han is joined by Associate Professor Gemma Sharp. Gemma is an Associate Professor of Research at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and leads the Body Image & Eating Disorders Research Group. Gemma is also a Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Statewide Women's Mental Health Service at Alfred Health, which has specialist eating disorder treatment facilities. In this week's episode, we discuss the following:

  • Gemma's personal development within her career and how she came to researching social media, body image and eating disorders.

  • The importance of peer support and clinical support for eating disorders and body image concerns.

  • The impact that social media can have on our eating and exercise behaviours e.g. what I eat in a day.

  • The role that social media influences could have in promoting positive eating and exercise behaviours, and how researchers, clinicians, and influences can do this together in an accessible way through science communication.

  • How image-based platforms, editing photos, the use of filters, and the increase in "selfies" have altered our perception of self and the impact this has had on desires seen in domestic surgeries.

  • The impact that social media has on our perception of our own bodies and BMI, and how we can work to increase the diversity of body types on social media.

  • Characteristics that Gemma has noticed may make someone more susceptible to the negative consequences of social media.

  • Gemma's tips for navigating social media to make it a positive space that provides a pleasurable experience, rather than making you feel worse.

  • How clinicians can promote the use of social media through digital mental health initiatives, and how novel technology like AI can support this.

To learn more about Gemma's research, you can find her on Twitter @gemmasharp11 or search "Gemma Sharp Monash University" on Google. Please note that this podcast discusses eating disorder topics that some individuals may find triggering. Please check in with yourself along the way, and remember this is not a replacement for clinical support and advice.

Recent Posts

Cover photo for The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know with Chelsea Roff
By Hannah Hickinbotham March 10, 2025
The UK’s Assisted Dying Bill raises serious concerns for individuals with eating disorders. Could they qualify as terminally ill? Explore the risks, safeguarding gaps, and why better treatment, not assisted death, is needed.
By hannah March 9, 2025
Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders
February 10, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Julie White. Julie is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Neurodiversity Coach, and peer support facilitator, raising awareness of mental health and neurodiversity.
February 3, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Bethany Ashley Smith. Bethany is a psychotherapist who is on a to help people feel more confident and independent in their healing journey. Bethany has spent 20 years combining her own lived experiences, working as a mental health nurse and her professional expertise in trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships. As a neurodiverse, mixed-race woman who’s walked her own recovery path, Bethany brings empathy and understanding to her work.
January 22, 2025
In this week's episode, we speak with eating disorder advocate, Nicky Smith, about report released by The All-Party Parliamentary Group, “The Right To Health: People with eating disorders failed”.
January 13, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Zuzanna Gajowiec. Zuzanna is a Clinical Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Ireland’s first Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C). With over a decade of experience, Zuzanna is dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery, focusing on physical healing, body image, and family connections.
Show More
Share by: