US pop singer Taylor Swift repeatedly talks about her eating disorder and the doubts she has about her own body. In doing so, the 34-year-old is apparently helping fans who are struggling with their own body image. This is what a US research team reports in the journal “Social Science & Medicine”.
Inspiration through interviews and song lyrics
In a thematic analysis, the authors evaluated around 200 posts that Swift fans published on the platforms Reddit and Tiktok. According to the study, Swift’s role as a role model for her often female fans plays an important role.
Many of the so-called “Swifties” considered the musician a pioneer in dealing with eating disorders. Swift’s openness inspired them to overcome their own illnesses. Fans repeatedly referred to the documentary “Miss Americana” (2020), in which Swift spoke about the topic.
“Swifties” also used certain songs by the singer in their posts, the lyrics of which allow associations with mental health. Songs such as “You’re On Your Own, Kid” and “Tied Together With a Smile” are used by fans to process their own insecurities, the scientists reported.
“Anti-Hero” video controversy
However, the topic of body image in connection with Taylor Swift was also controversially discussed on the platforms. According to the researchers, the music video for the song “Anti-Hero” from 2022 sparked a debate. In the original version of the clip, Swift stood on a scale in one scene that displayed the word “fat”.
While some fans defended the depiction as an expression of Swift’s own insecurities, others felt hurt by it. The artist later replaced the video online with another version that no longer contained the word.
“Swifties” objectify their idol
The authors also noted that fans also objectified their idol in their posts, reducing her to her body. Current pictures of Swift were compared with older photos. Users also commented on how “healthy” and “happy” Swift looked compared to before. At the same time, however, fans criticized media reports that focused on Swift’s appearance or weight.
“This analysis shows the positive influence that celebrities can have, but also highlights the limitations of personal statements when it comes to addressing systemic problems like fatphobia,” said lead author Lizzy Pope of the University of Vermont.
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