How social media can give Palm River-Clair Mel, FL. 33619 teen girls a negative body image.
How social media can give Palm River-Clair Mel, FL. 33619 teen girls a negative body image.
Social media has become a prominent part of our culture. It's not uncommon to see someone scrolling through their Instagram feed or sitting on Facebook chatting with other people. Social media has such a large presence in the world that many people forget to consider the negative impacts it can have on impressionable young minds.
When looking at social media, there are primarily two types: Facebook and Instagram. Facebook is a much more traditional social media platform where people tend to post about their personal lives and families, whereas Instagram is used primarily for posting pictures of themselves or others. This distinction is important to note because the way people use each platform differs greatly.
Facebook users can make a post, but it is up to their friends and family members to like the post. However, Instagram users can easily like or comment on photos. When our self-worth is defined by the number of likes that we receive on our selfies or profile pictures, this can become problematic. So how does social media give teenage girls a negative body image?
Social media photos are not the only source of influence that influences young Tampa girls to perceive themselves negatively. In school, many teachers will direct their students to look at their own body image in the mirror and judge it in comparison to what an individual looks like within a magazine. This is often done through food ads and the use of airbrushing, which can cause young girls to feel unattractive or uncomfortable because they are unable to accurately compare themselves with what they see in fashion ads. Additionally, many magazines and television show target teenagers by promoting unrealistic body images that promote a very narrow height range that inspires girls to believe they should look thinner than they actually are.
When this occurs, anxiety usually follows. Teenagers who struggle with self-esteem become stressed about their appearance and begin to analyze every single detail in their lives that can make them feel inadequate. Girls begin to question their appearance when they do not receive the same number of "likes" on social media platforms as others in their age group.
The issue is not solely caused by girls, but also by boys. Boys tend to see these posts from girls and then either comment or like the post because it makes them feel better about themselves. However, the girl who posted it may start to believe that her male peers feel she is better looking than she actually is, which can potentially lead to low self-esteem.
This can have negative effects on the way they feel about themselves, which can cause them to worry and obsess over their body image. These thoughts could lead them to stress in different ways such as eating too much, over-exercising, or slipping into depression.
While most people may not remember this day when a negative body image has affected their life, it's important to consider the impact social media and images have on teenage girls. By using social media responsibly, using realistic expectations regarding what your friends, family members, and other users are posting about you, and spending time with friends whom you enjoy being around without worrying about your appearance will help teenagers grow into happy adults who are able to handle life's challenges with ease.
Author: Justin Stanton is a marketing associate with MyPsych. He is fascinated by human behavior, which is why he has developed a passion for his studies in psychology, and eventually psychology and business. He has experience working in the research field regarding consumer attitudes towards barbeque sauces and mayonnaise. In his spare time, Justin enjoys playing baseball and soccer, reading, practicing yoga, and exploring all the world has to offer.
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