Influencer Shir Tern Shares Online Shaming Amid Body Positivity Debate
Israeli influencer Shir Tern, known for advocating against fatphobia and promoting body positivity, recently faced harsh online shaming after paparazzi photos showed her in a bikini at the beach. Tern, who appears on the reality show "Power Couple" with her partner Elad Turgeman on Channel 13, shared some of the negative comments she received, which included insults about her appearance. This sparked a debate about whether publicizing such shaming helps empower women or inadvertently harms them.
Fellow influencer Bar Cohen criticized Tern’s decision to share the insults, arguing it might discourage women and girls from embracing their bodies if they see the harsh backlash. Clinical psychologist Eti Kofler, who specializes in eating disorders, explained that reactions to such posts can vary: some may feel strengthened by Tern’s confidence, while others might internalize the insults and develop negative body image. Kofler emphasized that focusing on body appearance as a measure of worth can contribute to eating disorders and unhealthy self-perception.
Kofler also noted that even seemingly positive comments that highlight Tern’s body as "different" or "above standard" reinforce harmful norms. She stressed that body image is shaped by cultural and familial influences, not just social media. In today’s environment dominated by thinness ideals, encouraging weight gain is nearly impossible, and the focus should shift from weight to health and body functionality.
The psychologist highlighted the vulnerability of adolescent girls, whose bodies undergo significant changes, making them sensitive to body-related comments. Negative remarks can trigger or worsen eating disorders, especially when girls already struggle with body image. Parents are encouraged to emphasize health and body function over appearance and to normalize diverse body types by explaining the role of genetics.
Ultimately, while there is no clear consensus on whether Tern’s photos and their public reaction are beneficial or harmful, experts agree that public discourse should move away from judging women’s bodies and instead focus on their personalities and contributions. Kofler concluded that criticism often reflects the shallow perceptions of those who comment rather than any objective truth about body types.
