Social Media's Effect on Body image for teens

by Gwenyth Waldron, Reporter

Arts and Culture

Social media has both positive and negative influences on teenagers' body images. Scrolling through platforms, watching television, or reading, it's hard not to notice these incredibly iconic images of models like Adriana Lima or Bella Hadid; they seem toweringly tall, skinny, and effortlessly beautiful.

New York Times editor Miral Nassar, who wrote a recent article stating her outlook of modern day views on body image and how people combat negativity surrounding body image, says, “Today, beauty standards are heavily influenced by mass media, advertising, and celebrity culture, perpetuating ideals that often prioritize youthfulness, thinness, and symmetry: and creates a point that impossible beauty standards worsen body size and color sentiments.” This influence could, in turn, “result in detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and self-esteem.” As a result, several people view idealistic posts by influencers who post “images that may not reflect the diversity of human experience, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt as they strive to measure up to an often unattainable beauty standard

This pressure is not constrained to girls. Boys, too, have insecure moments with body image, sometimes with the compulsion of being muscular and strong, a  condition often referred to as "bigorexia." According to Netsanity, an app that gives parental controls for adults and gives statistics to a teenage boy’s online activity, “Boys will compare themselves to other boys on social media or even men that they see on TV and in print ads. Today, boys as young as 6-8 are already developing issues with their body image because of things that they have seen through social media, television, and even from offline experiences.” 

Discussion of body images in the high school setting, where social condemnation is usually more hurtful, it is rarely mentioned in an enriched environment at school. Because of this, many young males feel unsafe sharing their opinions online, resulting in insecurities and intimidation when voicing their opinions. According to one recent study, an incredible 25% of teenagers say that they have been a victim of repeated bullying on their cell phone, on the Internet, or both. When you open that number up to tweens to 20-somethings, it jumps to an unfortunate 52%.

On the other hand, some aspects of social media can indeed work in positive ways to combat body insecurity. A Harvard University study by scientist Lee Kum Sheung said, “Social media as part of everyday routine and responding to content that others share—is positively associated with all three health outcomes; social well-being, positive mental health, and self-rated health.” Emotional connection to social media—for example, checking apps excessively out of fear of missing out, being disappointed about or feeling disconnected from friends when not logged into social media—is negatively associated with all three outcomes.”

With the growing consensus of concern for unattainable body images, content developers encourage self-love and garner confidence. Model Ella Halikas who “spent the better part of the last two years building quite the following online” has expressed that social media can be utilized to foster self-acceptance. Celebrities like Ariana Grande have spoken out against body shaming. “There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful,” said Grande. “I know personally, for me, the body you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body.” The pop star adds that the physique fans are positioning as her “natural state” was a result of poor diet, antidepressants, and a generally low point in her life.”

While social media exposes people to unrealistic expectations, sometimes it offers a venue for self-acceptance and support. Body image struggles happen with people of all ages, not just teenagers. The goal is balance in awareness of such pressures and a sense of self-worth. Social media can positively influence body image as the world gradually embraces all body types, skin tones, and facial features.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Kamiak High School or The Gauntlet. 

Sources

What Students Are Saying about How Social Media Affects Their Body Image. (n.d.).

http://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-how-social-media-affects-their-body-image.html.   

Social Media and Body Image: Negative and Positive Effects. (n.d.). http://www.healthline.com/health/social-media-and-body-image#positive-effects. 

Social Media Influencer Uses Platform to Spread Confidence, Body Positivity. (n.d.).

http://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/human-interest/2022/01/12/local-influencer-platform-spreads-confidence-body-positivity. 

profile tree. (n.d.).https://profiletree.com/how-social-media-shapes-beauty-  standards/#:~:text=Platforms%20perpetuate%20unrealistic%20ideals%20through,lines%20between%20authenticity%20and %20commercialism. 

The Impact of Social Media on Boys. (n.d.). https://payh.org/impact-social-media-boys/ 

Harvard School of Public Health. (n.d.). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/social-media-positive-mental-health/ 

Ariana Grande addresses comments around her body on TikTok. (n.d.). https://vogue.sg/ariana-grande-addresses-body-commentary/