Body Image Night

How do we come to judge our bodies based on societal standards - and what happens when we fall short of those ideals? The way we view ourselves is shaped by media, culture, and society, often promoting a narrow, unrealistic "ideal" body. This talk explores the growing issue of body dissatisfaction, known as "normative discontent," with alarming numbers of men and women in the UK feeling disgusted by their own appearance. Kirsten and Steve’s Art+Science Workshop explores how media and social media have narrowed the types of bodies seen as acceptable, and challenge the notion that this is the only way we should view ourselves. Our brains are fully capable of embracing a much wider diversity of bodily forms as typical and desirable.

If you have a body, you have body image - but what does that really mean? It’s more than just what you see in the mirror; it’s shaped by our thoughts, emotions, experiences, and cultural influences (we’re looking at you, diet culture and weight stigma). Body image affects confidence, self-worth, and even mental and physical health. In this talk, we’ll break down what body image is, the forces that shape it, and how we can challenge unrealistic beauty standards. Learn why media portrayals often set impossible ideals and how social media can both harm and heal our perceptions. We’ll also discuss the power of focusing on what our bodies can do rather than how they look. Whether you struggle with body image or simply want to understand its impact, this talk will provide insights and strategies to promote a healthier relationship with your body.