Socio-Spatial Studies

The beauty industry in Iran has seen remarkable growth in recent years, fueled by deep-rooted cultural ideals surrounding physical appearance. Many Iranians, as idealists, strive to meet high standards of beauty, a pursuit that has led to the booming of various beauty industries, including cosmetics, skincare, and plastic surgery. While the desire to look beautiful is often associated with social acceptance and personal confidence, the pursuit of beauty in Iran also has significant health consequences. Drawing on a review of existing literature, industry reports, and cultural studies, the study explores how beauty standards in Iran influence individual health, both physically and psychologically. Our results show that the pressures to conform to societal beauty standards can lead to an obsession with appearance, which, in turn, may result in mental health challenges such as anxiety, body dysmorphia, and depression. This article argues that while the beauty business thrives on society's idealistic vision of attractiveness, it comes at a cost. The commodification of beauty has not only reshaped cultural values but also introduced health risks that must be critically assessed.

In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 fatal work injuries, reflecting a 5.7% increase from 2021. This alarming trend highlights the persistent dangers associated with hazardous occupations, with the fatal work injury rate rising to 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. This article contends that traditional risk management approaches are inadequate to counter this trend and advocates for the integration of media literacy as an essential component of workplace safety. Media literacy equips workers to critically analyze and resist the influence of media narratives, particularly those on visual platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, that glamorize high-risk behaviors. Such narratives can promote unsafe workplace practices by encouraging employees to engage in dangerous activities to showcase exceptional skills. The article argues that corporations in construction sector and other hazardous industries bear the responsibility of organizing media literacy workshops for their employees. These programs can further critical awareness and encourage safer decision-making to help reduce the occurrence of workplace fatalities.