The recent controversy created by 22-year-old social media influencer Liv Schmidt surrounds extreme thinness.
She is known for her “What I Eat in a Day” videos and “Skinny Girl Essentials,” whereby she blew up on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. However, the content creates noticeable protests since it promotes unhealthy body image and the danger of disordered eating patterns among youth.
Liv Schmidt Route to Fame
Her journey to stardom began with her carefully curated Amazon storefront, which was stocked with dietary supplements, ankle weights, and protein powders. Her videos contain tips and tricks on how not to gain weight and, of course, have been criticized for promoting disordered eating.
But despite the controversy surrounding Schmidt, she continues to enjoy a massive following of fans, many of whom are praising her for her dedication to maintaining a slim figure.
Controversy and Backlash
The controversy to reach its high point was when Liv Schmidt was banned from TikTok for violating community guidelines. Although TikTok said she was banned due to “community guideline violations,” Schmidt has denied the allegations, saying that it was only a ploy to create a real space for her followers.
Undeterred, Schmidt has since started posting again, using a new account with a different name, and posting content described as “rage baiting” – provocative posts purposefully designed to provoke a reaction or to gain more engagement.
Beyond Social Media
Her impact goes beyond social media; she has interned at major companies like J.P. Morgan and Bulgari and has collaborated with fashion brands such as PrettyLittleThing. Amidst her professional triumphs, Schmidt’s social media presence has been one of her most contentious aspects, encouraging a realm of unhealthy body standards, which has led many to call for regulations over similar social media content.
The Ongoing Debate
Liv Schmidt has proved to be a polarizing figure in the debate about social media’s responsibility for disordered eating. Some are inspired to live a lean life like Liv Schmidt, where others believe her posts trigger harming body consciousness.
And the body image social media discourse is very much still going on, with influencers such as Liv Schmidt at the center of this debate.