Self Dysmorphia

McKenna Grace's song 'Self Dysmorphia' delves into the emotional turmoil and self-perception issues exacerbated by the digital age. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's struggle with body image and self-worth, influenced heavily by the seemingly perfect lives and appearances displayed on social media. The opening lines, 'Cherry lip, apocalypse / The world ends at her perfect hips,' set the stage for a narrative where the protagonist feels overshadowed by the idealized beauty standards perpetuated online. This sense of inadequacy is further emphasized with lines like 'God perfected / And I'm defective,' highlighting the internalized belief of being inherently flawed.

The song poignantly addresses the concept of 'Instagram depression,' a term that encapsulates the feelings of inadequacy and sadness stemming from constant comparison to others' curated online personas. Grace's lyrics, 'Don't be critical / I'm so miserable / I compare myself to all this physical,' reflect the pervasive impact of digital media on mental health. The chorus, 'I got self dysmorphia (dysmorphia) / A constant reminder / I was made wrong (made wrong),' underscores the persistent and damaging self-criticism that the protagonist endures, leading to a 'full, me phobia'—a fear and loathing of one's own identity.

The song also touches on the futility of trying to conform to these unrealistic standards. Lines like 'I keep trying to work on me / But you can't photograph a personality' suggest a deeper understanding that true worth and beauty cannot be captured in a mere image. Despite this realization, the protagonist remains trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and comparison, as evidenced by the repeated refrain, 'I wish that was me.' 'Self Dysmorphia' serves as a powerful commentary on the impact of social media on self-esteem and the often-overlooked mental health struggles that accompany it.