Harvard data shows that over the years, implicit bias against race, sexuality, age, and disability have all decreased. However, implicit bias against those who are overweight is the only group bias that has become more severe over time.

It is plausible that exposure to more positive thin people and negative overweight people in society could be responsible for the strengthening of implicit anti-fat bias. Social media platforms are a key leader when it comes to the ‘thin ideal’, with the prevalence of photo manipulation, and the pressure to confirm to beauty standards and present this as an online highlight.

In HRW Shift’s latest podcast, Alex, Senior Behavioural Science Analyst, Millie, Research Executive and cofounder of HRW Eavesdrop, our innovative social media listening offering that is soon to be launched, are joined by @Emma, who is currently training to be a psychotherapist, with a background in Behavioural Science (specifically discourse analysis), as they share part 2 of our 3-part podcast series surrounding social media and mental health, discussing social media’s impact on the perfect body image, and how we can keep our biases in check.

Recommended reading:-"What we don't talk about when we talk about fat" by Aubrey Gordon