The Link Between Social Media and Body Dysmorphia

Overview

• Social media significantly influences our perception of physical beauty
  • Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube
  • Unrealistic beauty standards promoted via edited images

Beauty Filters and Unrealistic Standards

• Survey Findings
  • 2021 Consumer Reports: 1 in 5 American adults used beauty filters
  • 47% of ages 18-29 have used beauty filters
  • 59% find beauty filters troubling due to mental health concerns

Impact on Teen Mental Health

• Negative impacts include
  • Body dysmorphia
  • Eating disorders
• Concerns
  • Teens' inability to differentiate between edited and real images

Connection Between Social Media and Body Dysmorphia

• Body Dysmorphia (BDD)
  • Obsessive thoughts about one’s appearance
  • Symptoms: Anxiety, compulsive grooming, excessive focus on perceived flaws
• Research Findings
  • 2023 Study: Social media linked to increased body dysmorphia in ages 16-18
  • Reducing social media use can mitigate symptoms

Social Media and Eating Disorders

• Eating Disorders (EDs)
  • Symptoms: Binge eating, excessive exercise, purging
  • Influenced by genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors
• Research Findings
  • Connection between social media use and EDs, especially among females
  • High body dissatisfaction linked to eating disorder risk

Positive Effects of Social Media on Body Image

• Potential Benefits
  • Exposure to body-positive content can increase body appreciation
  • Body-positive influencers promote positive attitudes

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Mindset

• Reducing Social Media Use
  • Limit time on social media to avoid negative comparisons
• NEDA Recommendations
  • Be selective about who you follow
  • Engage with body-positive content
  • Critically assess images for editing

Further Learning

• Exploring Psychological Effects
  • Consider studying social media’s impact through psychology programs
  • King University offers online degrees focusing on real-world psychological applications