In the age of smartphones and constant connectivity, social media has become an essential part of the lives of today’s youth. Social media platforms offer a variety of benefits, but they also have a significant impact on young people’s self-image. Clinical therapists Samantha Gonzalez AMFT, APCC, and Alyssa Acosta, APCC, lead the Loma Linda University Behavioral Health Adolescent Divisional Hospital Program. Together, they analyze the impact of social media on young people’s self-perception and mental health, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining a healthy self-image in the digital age.
illusion of perfection
One of the main ways social media influences young people’s self-image is by promoting idealized and often unattainable beauty standards.
“Social media platforms are full of meticulously curated profiles that showcase seemingly perfect lives, perfect looks, and ideal body types. “The constant exposure causes young people to develop unrealistic expectations about their appearance and appearance,” Acosta says. achievements in life. ”
Comparing yourself to these distorted representations can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even body dysmorphia, she says.
Seeking validation and social approval
The proliferation of social media has also increased the need for approval and social approval among young people. The number of likes, comments, and followers we have becomes a measure of self-worth, amplifying the pressure to present an ideal version of ourselves online. Acosta said the desire for external validation can lead to excessive self-promotion, seeking attention through provocative images and posts, and even unhealthy behaviors such as online bullying and negative comparisons with others. It says that there is a sex.
Cyberbullying and the negative feedback loop
According to the report, 16% of high school students have experienced cyberbullying. According to Gonzalez, social media platforms can provide fertile ground for cyberbullying and negative feedback loops, which can have devastating consequences for young people’s self-image, unlike face-to-face interactions. Online platforms provide anonymity and a sense of distance, making individuals more likely to engage in harmful acts. Gonzalez said negative comments, cyberbullying and online harassment can have a significant impact on young people’s self-esteem, causing feelings of worthlessness, depression and anxiety. Continuous exposure to such negativity can create a toxic cycle that further deteriorates your mental health.
Comparison and fear of missing out
Today’s youth are constantly exposed to updates about the lives of their peers through social media. Scrolling through posts about parties, trips, achievements, and milestones can make you even more anxious about missing out.
“This constant comparison can foster feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s life and accomplishments, leading to negative self-perceptions,” Acosta says. “The selective nature of social media feeds often prevents expression of the full range of experiences and emotions, and creates an unrealistic sense of what a ‘successful’ or ‘fulfilling’ life should look like.” It strengthens that feeling.”
Develop a healthy self-image
Although social media can have a negative impact on young people’s self-image, it is important to remember that it is not inherently negative. Gonzalez and Acosta say there are ways to reduce negative effects and promote healthier self-perceptions among young people.
- Media Literacy: Educating young people about the effects of social media and promoting critical thinking skills can help distinguish between reality and the illusion of perfection.
- Set boundaries: Setting limits on social media use and encouraging young people to prioritize offline activities can promote a healthier balance.
- Positive Reinforcement: Recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, talents, and traits beyond social media metrics can strengthen your sense of self-worth based on internal validation.
- Promoting open communication: Creating a safe space where young people feel free to discuss concerns about self-image and social media can be a valuable support.
- Diverse representation: Encouraging the promotion and celebration of diverse body types, ethnicities, abilities, and achievements on social media can challenge narrow beauty standards and inspire a more inclusive self-image.
May is Mental Health Month. Loma Linda University Behavioral Health is a regional leader in mental health treatment, offering a wide range of behavioral health programs and services tailored to your needs in Redlands, Murrieta, and Rancho Cucamonga. Click here to request more information about the mental health programs we offer.