The Troubling History and Evolution of Tumblr's Thigh Gap Obsession

The Complex History of Tumblr's Thigh Gap Obsession

In the early 2010s, a concerning trend took hold on Tumblr - the glorification and promotion of thigh gaps. For those unfamiliar, a thigh gap refers to a space between the inner thighs when standing upright with knees together. While naturally occurring in some body types, there was a pervasive message that thigh gaps were an ideal to strive for.

Pro-ana (pro-anorexia) and thinspo (thinspiration) communities flourished, sharing images of extremely thin models and celebrities as thigh gap inspiration. "How to get a thigh gap" guides propagated, encouraging unhealthy behaviors like starvation dieting, over-exercising, and using weight loss supplements.

The Toxic Allure of the Thigh Gap

For young women already struggling with body image issues, the thigh gap became an obsession. It represented a beauty ideal far removed from normal and healthy. However, amidst a barrage of images and messages glorifying the thigh gap, it took on an almost mythological significance.

Possessing a thigh gap became equated with desirability, self-control, and social status. "Thigh gap" was one of the most commonly searched terms on Tumblr, with over 4 million posts at the trend's peak. Strangers commented on each other's bodies, praising those with thigh gaps and shaming those without.

Harmful Health Effects

This online fixation fueled disordered eating and excessive exercise routines. Some resorted to weight loss pills, diuretics, or laxatives in order to achieve their thigh gap goal. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia spread in communities hyper-focused on thinness.

Besides the psychological toll, the extreme calorie restriction and rapid weight loss wreaked havoc on physical health. It disrupted menstrual cycles, weakened heart health, caused dizziness and fainting, and depleted energy levels. Constant hunger pains became normal.

Pushback Against Thigh Gap Culture

However, as awareness spread about the concerning medical complications, people began speaking out. Activists and health professionals warned how dangerous the thigh gap ideal was, especially for impressionable young people.

Bloggers with recovery stories described their painful struggles with disordered eating. Body positivity activists shared messages of self-acceptance and emphasized health over thinness. Efforts were made to ban or censor harmful pro-ana and thinspo content.

The Rise of Anti Thigh Gap Communities

In response to rampant thigh gap promotion, anti thigh gap communities formed. These provided a supportive space for people recovering from eating disorders or committed to developing a healthier body image.

Anti thigh gaps blogs rejected the notion that beauty and worth came from being photoshopped thin. They encouraged readers to unfollow accounts that made them feel bad about their bodies. Slowly but surely, the tide began turning against Tumblr's thigh gap obsession.

Thigh Gaps Today: Changing Attitudes

While some dangerous pro-ana corners of Tumblr still exist today, they are much less prevalent. Most users condemn the thigh gap trend as toxic, unhealthy, and misogynistic.

Body positivity and self-love dominate Tumblr's culture now. Celebrities like Lizzo, Demi Lovato, and Ashley Graham preach radical self-acceptance. Narrow beauty standards face widespread criticism rather than admiration.

However, it's important not to forget this troubling chapter in Tumblr's history. It offers vital lessons on the dangers of prioritizing impossible thinness and judging worth by appearance alone.

We must remain vigilant against any resurgence of thigh gap promotion and be ready to counter those messages. While today's Tumblr largely celebrates body diversity, past mistakes must not be repeated.

Supporting Positive Body Image

Combating thigh gap culture requires actively cultivating communities that uplift people of all shapes and sizes. Social media can provide a space for marginalized groups to find their voice.

Platforms like Tumblr have a responsibility to moderate harmful content and amplify positive messages. Brands, influencers and celebrities must also use their platforms intentionally, being aware of their impact.

Most importantly, we must have open and honest dialogues on healthy self-esteem, realistic beauty standards, and media literacy. Rejecting harmful thigh gap fixation remains an ongoing process.

Looking Ahead With Cautious Optimism

While the thigh gap dominated Tumblr nearly a decade ago, its shadow still lingers. We must acknowledge that obsession with thinness always carries risks.

However, change is possible. Once synonymous with dangerous weight loss promotion, Tumblr now champions body positivity. Critical lessons were learned about allowing destructive beauty standards to spread unchecked.

Of course, issues of body image, eating disorders and self-esteem remain highly complex. But Tamblr's shift away from thigh gaps does offer hope for healthier attitudes in the future.

FAQs

What is a thigh gap?

A thigh gap refers to a space between the inner thighs when standing upright with knees together. It became an obsession on Tumblr in the early 2010s.

How did thigh gaps become so popular on Tumblr?

Pro-ana and thinspo communities promoted thigh gaps by sharing images of extremely thin models. Guides on achieving a gap through unhealthy means also spread. It became associated with desirability.

Why were thigh gaps considered dangerous?

The obsession fueled eating disorders and excessive exercise. People resorted to behaviors like starvation dieting, pill use, and purging to get a gap, causing health problems.

Who spoke out against the thigh gap trend?

Doctors warned of medical complications. Activists created anti-thigh gap communities and body positive blogs to counter the messaging. Celebrities preached self-acceptance.

What is Tumblr's attitude toward thigh gaps today?

Most now view the trend as toxic. While some harmful corners remain, body positivity dominates. But lessons remain about allowing destructive standards to spread.