Women tired of 'perfect' bodies on social media boldly reveal what real, unedited bodies look like

Social media influences every aspect of our lives, including the way we see ourselves. However, most of the time, it is pretty hard to match one's reality to what we see on social media, or to look like photos that go through editing, filters and are clicked with careful angles, lighting and poses. This might lead to self-esteem issues or unrealistic standards among the general population who are unaware of the reality behind the perfect social media aesthetic. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, teens and young adults who reduced their social media use by 50 percent a week felt significantly better about their weight and appearance compared to people who consistently used social media.

"Social media can expose users to hundreds or even thousands of images and photos every day, including those of celebrities and fashion or fitness models, which we know leads to an internalization of beauty ideals that are unattainable for almost everyone, resulting in greater dissatisfaction with body weight and shape," Gary Goldfield, PhD, of Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and lead author of the study explained. To change people's perception of what real and normal look like, several creators on Instagram and TikTok shared what their real and unedited bodies look like. Here are 10 people who are trying to show their audience the reality behind what they see on their screens.

1. Posing, Flexing, Lighting and Editing

Sarah Puhto, who goes by @saggysara on Instagram, shared how editing and posing can change the way people's bodies look in photos online. She pointed out that one can edit their videos to look "perfect" too.

2. Edited VS. Real

Creator Michaela Nguyenova, who goes by @_michaelanguyen on TikTok, encouraged people not to compare themselves with what they see online.

3. A Break from 'Skinny-tok'

Beth, who goes by @beth.markeyfit on TikTok, encouraged people to take a break from "skinnytok" and look at a "regular size 10" body.

4. 'Happy vs. Depressed'

Fientje, who goes by @fienslock on TikTok, shared how she was "depressed" when she was 52 kg and is "happy" now at 69 kg.

5. 'Proof That Social Media is Fake'

Stefana Avara, who goes by @stefana.avara on TikTok, showed off her cellulite, stretch marks and more. She wanted to show that these things are completely normal, even if it doesn't seem like it.

6. 'I Don't Want to Lose Weight'

Spencer Barbosa, who goes by @spencer.barbosa on TikTok, shared that this was her "healthy body" and she didn't want to "lose weight."

7. 'Don't Be So Hard on Yourself'

Emilie Heggland, who goes by @heggland02 on TikTok, told all the girls watching her that hers was a "normal body" and encouraged them not to be "so hard" on themselves.

8. Flexed vs. Relaxed

Danielle, who goes by @kale.themwith.kindness, showed people how different her body can look in a matter of seconds.

9. Reality of an 'Influencer's Post'

Victoria Garrick Browne, who goes by @victoriagarrickbrowne on TikTok, shared the difference between an "influencer's post" and reality.

10. Reality of Bodycon Dresses

A woman who goes by @livvlouise on TikTok shared what bodycon dresses look like on people in real life.