The Internet makes it all too easy for people to judge and criticize complete strangers, but rarely do we consider how harmful those negative words may be to somebody’s self-esteem.
Sjana Elise Earp, an Australian blogger and model, has plenty of adoring fans and followers that feel inspired by her health and fitness tips.
One glance at Earp’s Instagram account is all it takes to see that she’s extremely active each and every day; she absolutely loves yoga, traveling, and soaking up the sun on the beach.
At just 21-years-old, Earp is also thin—very thin.
Even though her Instagram account is packed with photos of healthy meals, like delicious smoothie bowls and huge salads, Earp is constantly filtering through comments telling her to “eat a sandwich.”
These Internet trolls have no problem accusing Earp of having an eating disorder or branding her as a bad role model for young girls.
"The body I have, as imperfect, or as skinny, or as gross as people may think it is, is my imperfect body," she recently said in a video for Cosmopolitan.
While she tries her best to delete these comments as quickly as possible, Earp told TODAY that she knows her followers see them.
"Those same comments can be really hurtful to others," she explained. "So being open about it was more to empower and give a voice to others struggling with similar issues."
"I want my profile to be a place of kindness, positivity, empowerment and inspiration — not negativity or judgment," she added. "I'm the kind of person who will befriend anyone, and want to make my online presence just as warm and welcoming."
When we talk about body criticism on social media, it’s easy to assume that thin women, like Earp, have it easy.
But skinny-shaming a person’s body is just as cruel and hurtful as fat-shaming someone.
"People are quick to judge, especially on social media, where you feel somewhat distanced from the consequences of our actions," Earp said.
"We shouldn't be validated or defined by the way we appear, but rather the way we are," she added. "The way we behave, give, love and care."
As for her slender build, Earp leads an incredibly healthy lifestyle, but she really attributes her size to genetics.
“I have the same exact body shape as my mom!" she said.
