social media’s Impact on Teens' Self-Image and Mental Health and What You Can Do About It
You might not know it, but social media is not as new as some think. Some of the first social media sites, like one called sixdegrees.com, was first launched in 1997. Social media began to gain wide popularity among teens through Myspace in 2003. From there began the rise of what we know today—Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
But the most recent development is the rapid growth of people using social media to earn millions of dollars.
So what does that have to do with me and you?
Well, over the years, the goal of social media went from primarily connecting with friends and meeting people worldwide to earning followers, likes, shares, and comments. Terms like YouTube producer and social media influencer are real desired career paths for millions.
This means the image you portray online is critically important, but doing so comes at a cost.
The majority of what we now see as we scroll is carefully curated content. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat often showcase idealized versions of peoples’ lives, with meticulously edited photos and polished narratives. This unrelenting stream of seemingly perfect lives can create an unattainable standard of beauty and success, leading to feelings of inadequacy among teenagers. There are even people, apps, and full-service businesses that specialize in helping you create this kind of content.
But we are creating more than just perfect content. We are creating a culture of comparison. And we never really saw it coming. We subconsciously and constantly measure our appearance, achievements, and popularity against our peers. This "highlight reel" mentality can amplify self-doubt and breed a negative self-image. When confronted with the seemingly flawless lives of others, we can feel inadequate, experiencing a decline in self-esteem and increased self-criticism.
And what was meant to be a fun, new way to connect with people has seriously strained our mental health. And it goes deeper than just comparison and self-esteem.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
The digital realm has given rise to new avenues for bullying and harassment. Cyberbullying on social media can have severe consequences for teenagers' mental health. The anonymity afforded by online platforms often emboldens individuals to engage in hurtful behaviors, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among victims. The constant fear of judgment and social exclusion can erode self-confidence and amplify feelings of isolation.
Click Here for Parental Resources on Cyberbulling and Other Online Harassment
Social Media Addiction and Its Detrimental Effects
The addictive nature of social media is another concerning factor affecting teens' mental health. Excessive time spent on social media can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, reduced physical activity, and disrupted sleep patterns. These factors, in turn, can contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The constant need for validation through likes, comments, and followers can create an unhealthy reliance on external validation, impairing teens' ability to develop a strong sense of self-worth.
Positive Aspects: Fostering Support and Empowerment
Despite the negative impact of social media, it is crucial to recognize its potential for positive change. Online communities and support groups allow teenagers to connect, share experiences, and find solace in others facing similar challenges. Additionally, social media platforms have been instrumental in raising awareness about mental health issues, helping to reduce stigma, and encouraging conversations surrounding well-being.
So what can we do? If we are going to be brutally and radically honest regarding the truth about the effects of social media on all of us, then we also need to be just as honest about how to help our students wade through these waters. Because if we are going, to be honest, then you and I both know social media is not going anywhere, and telling our kids to stay off of it is only going to antagonize them and make things worse. So how can you walk the journey with them?
Click Here to Learn More About Helping Your Teen Through Social Isolation
Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use
Let me give you five habits or rhythms your entire family ought to get into.
Mindful Consumption
Authenticity over perfection
Positive online communities
Open communication
The goal here is not to eliminate social media from daily life. That’s not reasonable, and in some cases, not even possible. Instead, the goal is healthy management—practices, habits, and rituals mixed in with a massive amount of trust throughout the family.
1. Mindful Consumption: Encourage teens to critically evaluate the content they consume, reminding them that people typically share carefully selected aspects of their lives. In other words, help them be honest with themselves by being aware of the highlight reel they are scrolling through. It’s a lot like an excellent action or fantasy movie. You can enjoy it and, at the same time, know that it’s not real.
2. Digital Detox: Encourage periodic breaks from social media to maintain a healthy balance and promote real-life connections. Too much of anything isn’t good for us. So developing the habit of periodically stepping away from anything—especially social media isn’t just a good thing. It’s a great thing.
3. Authenticity over Perfection: Promote self-acceptance and highlight the importance of embracing imperfections and individuality. Just because everyone else has a “perfect” life on display doesn’t mean you or your teen must. Make it real. Make it fun.
Click Here to Learn More About Perfectionism
4. Positive Online Communities: Encourage participation in groups that foster support, empathy, and positive self-expression.
5. Open Communication: Foster a safe space for teens to discuss their experiences, concerns, and emotions related to social media. Encourage dialogue about healthy boundaries and responsible online behavior.
Social media undeniably has a significant impact on the self-image and mental health of your teenagers. It can be difficult, frustrating, and even a little scary. The online world changes far too much and too quickly to keep up. But you don’t have to. Just start here. Start with a conversation, set boundaries, and be present when it matters.
