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Publication Date

1-1-2024

Keywords

social media, body image, youth, United States, idealized images

Volume

2024

Abstract

Social media has a pervasive impact on body image in the United States, influencing one’s mental, physical, and social health. Body image issues encompass negative feelings and experiences related to one's physical appearance and are characterized by a preoccupation with perceived physical defects. This occurrence is especially common among youth. The harmful effects of constant exposure to idealized images, unrealistic beauty standards, and the influence of social media influencers are wide-ranging and severe. This brief focuses on the United States because of the competitive culture, the high cosmetic surgery rates, and leadership in social media use. Contributing factors such as comparative culture, social comparison theory, and the impact of influencers are all responsible for the spread of social media’s negative effects. Negative consequences include risky health behaviors, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and the correlation with suicidal thoughts and attempts. The social impairments, such as interpersonal problems, low self-esteem, and bullying, are correlated to barriers to social connection. Interventions such as CBT therapy are being implemented to help the youth of America adapt to healthy habits of social media use and improve their self-image. By implementing professional therapy, there is hope that we can increase the benefits of addicting technology and minimize its harmful outcomes.

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