Ayesha Takia’s experience with online trolling proves how unrealistic beauty standards fuel toxic behaviour. How can we shift the mindset and promote acceptance instead? Let's discuss!
Lately, I’ve felt exhausted by social media. While it has its benefits, the negativity is overwhelming. Trolling has become so normalized that most of us just accept it. Although there’s some pushback, it’s often ignored. Confronting harmful behavior is one thing, but attacking someone solely for their appearance - when did that become acceptable? Even celebrities, despite their fame and wealth, aren't shielded from this incessant criticism and the harm caused by it.
Beauty standards in the entertainment industry have always been strict, often promoting a single idea of what is considered beautiful or acceptable. This usually includes perfect skin, a slim figure, balanced features, and a youthful appearance - traits that are nearly impossible to achieve naturally for all. Celebrities face even more pressure. With millions of followers watching closely, any deviation from these ideals, such as weight gain, skin problems, aging, or a botched surgery, often lead to harsh criticism.
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Ayesha Takia recently faced backlash online after posting photos in traditional attire on Instagram. People speculated about cosmetic procedures and sent her unwanted opinions. Takia briefly deactivated her account and later returned with an Instagram story saying, "Did you notice how I just didn't respond? Very mindful, very cutesy, very demure." This isn't the first time she has been trolled for her appearance. From faceless Instagram accounts to Page 3 gossip, her looks have often been scrutinized, driven by the notion that everyone is entitled to comment on a celebrity’s appearance.
Many celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Adele, Lizzo, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ayesha Takia, have shared their struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and depression caused by online abuse. While Takia faced trolling courageously, not everyone can respond as she did. Many suffer in silence, and some even take drastic actions due to bullying. Research and personal stories show that bullying can seriously impact both mental and physical health.
What leads someone to bully others? Besides society's unrealistic beauty standards, a key factor is the lack of accountability. Hiding behind a screen allows people to spread hate and project their insecurities anonymously without fear of consequences. When it comes to celebrities, many believe they’re entitled to every detail of their lives. Some celebrities have also blurred these boundaries by unnecessarily inviting paparazzi to capture their mundane daily activities like gym, coffee dates, and airport looks. But mercilessly trolling someone over their appearance? Completely unwarranted.
It's also important to acknowledge that actors and content creators often reinforce these unrealistic beauty standards. The billion-dollar beauty industry depends on celebrities to push their unnecessary products. From green tea and concealers to skin lightening creams, botox, liposuction, and weight-loss pills, celebrities promote these beauty ideals through ads and their lifestyles. They spend heavily on skincare, then post photos taken with top-tier cameras labeled as #NoFilter. This influences the public, who try to follow these standards out of fear of social rejection. The obsession has become so widespread that when celebrities themselves don’t meet these standards, they get trolled for it. This culture urgently needs a shift in perspective and action.
It's time to change how we view beauty and self-worth. Movements like body positivity, inclusive fashion, and real representation in media are positive steps. Celebrities like Jameela Jamil and Ashley Graham are challenging harmful norms, but true change will happen when society stops supporting these toxic standards. Beauty is personal, and differences should be celebrated, not mocked. Social media needs to do more to stop hate, but the real change starts with us. Trolling celebrities for not fitting unrealistic beauty ideals shows our unhealthy focus on perfection. Instead of judging, we need to embrace kindness and accept that beauty comes in many forms. Let’s appreciate differences and replace harsh standards with respect. True beauty lies in what makes us unique.
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