Social Media Use And Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Teenagers

Abstract

The pervasive use of social media among teenagers has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on body image satisfaction. Social media platforms, particularly those that emphasize visual content, are increasingly linked to the cultivation of unrealistic beauty standards, often leading to body image dissatisfaction among adolescents. This article explores the relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction among teenagers, focusing on how social comparison, idealized portrayals of beauty, and peer interactions shape their self-perception. The role of social media influencers, the cultural context of body image, and the psychological effects of exposure to curated images on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are examined. The article also discusses potential interventions to mitigate the negative effects of social media on body image dissatisfaction, emphasizing the role of education, media literacy, and parental guidance in promoting healthy body image perceptions.