Are Influencers Worse Than Celebrities for Body Image?
Examining the Impact in the Indian Context
Welcome to the glitzy world of influencers and celebs, where every post is a fashion show and every story whispers tales of luxury and glamour. In this curated digital universe, the influence of celebrities and influencers on body image has become a hot topic of discussion. Particularly in India, where beauty standards can be deeply entrenched in culture and tradition, it’s worth asking:
Are influencers worse than traditional celebrities when it comes to shaping perceptions of body image?
The Rise of Influencers in India
India’s digital revolution has given birth to a new generation of influencers — relatable, aspirational, and often just a click away. They’ve emerged as trendsetters in fashion, fitness, wellness, and beyond. Unlike traditional celebrities, influencers often share personal stories and everyday struggles, giving the illusion of transparency and authenticity.
But here’s the catch — how many of these influencers actually open up about their body image struggles? What we often see is not their reality, but a polished, filtered, and curated version. And in that gap between real and reel, a powerful influence is born.
The Myth of Relatability
Influencers thrive on the idea of being ‘just like us’. Their content — from makeup-free selfies to morning coffee routines — creates an illusion of intimacy. But this perceived closeness can be dangerous.
Because if they’re just like us, and they still look that perfect all the time, what does that say about us when we don’t? The myth of relatability begins to unravel, replaced instead by quiet self-comparison and unrealistic expectations.
Traditional Celebrities & The Unattainable Ideal
On the flip side, traditional Indian celebrities — especially from Bollywood and sports — have long been held as the epitome of beauty and success. Their carefully crafted images grace magazine covers and red carpets, setting a bar that feels permanently out of reach.
So why bother comparing at all? Because that’s where influencers become even more powerful. Unlike celebs, they feel reachable — people you could know, follow, and even be. And that perceived accessibility is what makes their influence even stronger — and potentially more damaging.
The Constant Comparison Game
With social media now a constant presence, the comparison never stops. Influencers do showcase diverse body types and more authentic content than before — but the underlying pressure to look a certain way still lingers.
Traditional celebrities perpetuate aspirational ideals. Influencers perpetuate relatable ones. But both play into a broader culture that glorifies appearance over authenticity, and often leaves mental health in the shadows.
Who Holds the Responsibility?
Both influencers and traditional celebrities shape public perceptions in powerful ways. Influencers, because they feel more “real,” have a responsibility to be mindful of what they post and promote. Celebrities, with their massive platform and cultural capital, must think beyond glamour and acknowledge the standards they’re setting.
At the same time, society as a whole must step in — to question, to challenge, and to foster a culture where self-worth isn’t tied to body shape, size, or filters.
A Shift Toward Representation and Diversity
There’s hope — especially in the Indian influencer space — with the rise of body-positive creators and advocates for representation. These individuals are pushing back against narrow beauty ideals, celebrating all shapes, shades, and sizes.
Their presence is a welcome change, and it speaks to a generation hungry for authenticity and inclusivity. But it’s not enough to celebrate a few — the entire system needs to evolve.
The Role of Brands and Advertisers
Brands play a significant role in shaping — and often distorting — our perceptions of beauty. Whether it’s a fairness cream endorsed by a celebrity or a wellness product pushed by an influencer, these partnerships often reinforce harmful ideals.
Both influencers and celebrities must be more discerning when aligning with brands. Promoting unrealistic standards for profit only fuels insecurities and discontent.
The Bigger Picture
The impact of influencers and celebrities on body image in India is layered and complex. Influencers bring relatability and diversity, while celebrities embody longstanding ideals. Neither is inherently worse — both have the power to harm or heal, depending on the message they choose to amplify.
What matters most is fostering a larger conversation — one that promotes mental well-being, body neutrality, and self-love. One where being yourself is more important than being perfect.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image issues, consider exploring our Support and Engage verticals for affordable and inclusive help.
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Image Credits: Unsplash