How social media can negatively affect teen girls.
Social media has become an integral part of teens' lives. Whether they are on their phones, laptops, or tablets, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have a powerful influence on their everyday decisions. Unfortunately, that influence can sometimes be negative.
The pressures teens feel to provide a perfect image for everyone in their online social circle can lead to harmful behaviors such as eating disorders (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa), body dysmorphia, over-exercising, or even death from suicide. Modern-day girls feel the pressure to constantly look good in selfies and Instagram posts.
Constant comparisons between friends and peers could lead some to develop feelings of inadequacy, which may result in self-harm or extreme dieting. In addition to these negative mental effects, social media also affects the physical health of teen girls. Posts on social media are not always realistic portrayals of what teens actually look like.
Many people on social media sites suffer from body dysmorphia and think their own bodies aren't good enough. This leads to unhealthy dieting habits or over-exercising that damages joints, muscles, and bones, leading to severe injuries and even death, especially in young girls who haven't yet reached full bone development.
The pressure to be perfect online has created a generation of girls who are constantly comparing themselves with others. An "ideal" body type is under constant scrutiny: too thin is not good enough; too fat means you're unattractive. Girls' self-esteem is at an all-time low due to the steady stream of images online, and they're looking for validation from their peers in order to soothe these insecurities. The status quo on social media has become unhealthy models, plus-sized Barbie dolls, and celebrities whose weight fluctuates as much as their careers.
The media's negative portrayal of women can greatly affect girls' self-esteem. Social media pressures are not only affecting how teens present themselves online; it's also altering how they view other girls and women who don't fit a stereotypical mold of beauty or "thinness." The dangerous ideas we see online are not easy to separate from real life. We need to help our young girls feel beautiful inside and out.
We must understand that the images we post online aren't always a reflection of reality. Breaking down the barriers between what is real and what is not will go a long way in improving teen girls' self-esteem. Social media has become an integral part of the teen culture; it's important that we prevent harmful habits from forming in order to ensure teens get back their confidence and start viewing social media as fun, rather than harmful. By sharing healthy body imagery with each other, social media can be used positively for good instead of evil.
Choice Of Life Counseling LLC
410 Ware Blvd. Suite 805
Tampa, FL. 33619
1 (813) 204-0560
https://www.choiceoflifecounseling.com/
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