Teens, Social Media, and Body Image

Last night, I opened Instagram and began scrolling. I had recently searched for new recipes and workouts, so my feed was filled with these types of videos. However, amid the dog and baking recipe videos, I started seeing videos about calorie counts, daily gym routines to make my waist smaller, and ways to lose weight.

I hadn’t searched for that content, but it was now automatically showing up in my feed. I realized I probably wasn’t the only one who was seeing these types of videos centered on body image. I couldn’t help but wonder how exposure to this content might impact a person’s self-esteem and body image, especially for a teenager.

What is body image?

Body image refers to the beliefs and perceptions we have about our own bodies – how we view our appearance, like our size, shape, height, and weight. A positive body image involves feeling confident in your appearance and accepting the natural changes your body goes through as you age (e.g., menopause, fluctuating weight).

Negative body image is the belief that there is something wrong with your appearance. The National Eating Disorders Association defines negative body image as “a distorted perception of one’s shape and physical appearance. Negative body image (or body dissatisfaction) involves feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-consciousness.”

Those who struggle with negative body image often find themselves frequently doing body checking (monitoring their physical appearance via scales, mirrors, or other methods), constantly comparing their appearance to others, or going to extreme lengths to change their appearance. Those who experience high levels of body dissatisfaction are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and developing eating disorders.

Negative Body Image and Social Media

For individuals who struggle with their body image, social media can make these negative beliefs even worse, because of the unrealistic beauty standards that are promoted by celebrities and influencers. When thinking about the impact of social media consider that in 2023, there were an estimated 4.9 billion social media users worldwide. Of those 4.9 billion people, the average person spends 145 minutes on social media every day.

How did the average person spend over an hour on social media every day?

Typically, when we see a video or post we like on social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), we start to see similar videos in our feed that were suggested for us. For instance, if you search for “brown cowboy boots” on Instagram, you’ll start seeing more and more videos of people highlighting their latest pair of brown cowboy boots.

The next time you open the app, you’ll likely notice even more boot-related content, along with ads offering discounts from various companies if you click on their links. The reason that you’re seeing these targeted advertisements is because websites and apps are designed to analyze and track our behavior.

Everything we like, share, comment on, or watch is monitored and used to predict what we’ll enjoy next. The more the content aligns with our preferences, the more likely we are to keep scrolling, liking, or watching.

When we encounter something we enjoy on social media, it triggers our brain to release small bursts of dopamine, a natural hormone that makes us feel pleasure and motivation. This release makes us feel good, encouraging us to seek out more of that feeling. As we see more content that resonates with us, we become addicted to that positive feeling, reinforcing the cycle.

The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teen Body Image

Teens and young adults are the most active users of social media, with platforms becoming a central part of their daily lives. For teenagers, social media offers a way to connect with friends and family and stay informed about the latest trends and updates.

However, for those grappling with body image concerns, research shows that extended use of social media can exacerbate these issues. Many young girls are exposed to highly edited images of celebrities, influencers, and even peers, which often portray an idealized version of beauty – such as being thin, having flawless skin, and being socially popular.

As a result, these girls may feel pressure to measure up to these unrealistic standards and start to restrict their eating or take other steps to change their appearance that could be damaging to their physical and mental health.

Body image issues not only affect girls but can also affect younger men who feel like they do not measure up to the “ideal” male physique. On social media, there is a focus on men’s “fitness culture” which prioritizes looking extremely muscular rather than overall health and well-being. In a New York Times article, several teens shared how social media affects their body view. In this article, one young man, Alain shared about the struggles that he has faced.

“From time to time, I scroll and scroll and subtly wish I had the charm and charisma, and in rare cases, the body types of other men. Now, I do not have the most buff body type… For example, in a post that blew up, people commented on any negative detail they could find about me. Some commented on my lanky, lean stature, which led to insecure thoughts. I thought I had to “appear” stronger so I would not have been made fun of.”

Like girls, young men who struggle with a more negative body image are also more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

With the advent of body-positive movement and more inclusive marketing, progress has been made on social media platforms. Recently, there has been more of a focus on encouraging representation of people of various shapes, sizes, and backgrounds in media, advertising, and fashion. Although progress is being made, the reality is that social media continues to have a negative impact on how both men and women view their bodies.

A Social Media Fast

For those who feel like social media has harmed your self-esteem and how you feel about your appearance, I would encourage you to take a break from social media. Pause your social media accounts for a week (or more) and instead spend that time you would be scrolling engaging in real-life activities that boost your confidence and well-being like reading, walking, and spending time with family or friends.

If you do decide to get back on social media, take stock of what accounts you are following. If certain accounts or influencers make you feel inadequate, it’s okay to unfollow or mute them. Focus on content that lifts you up.

As Christians, there is no shame in struggling with negative body image. We are human, and we live in a broken world. However, we can take comfort in knowing that we were created in God’s image and are fearfully and wonderfully made. God designed us with purpose, giving us physical bodies so that we can fulfill His work and will on earth.

While society may pressure us to look a certain way, we can remember that our worth is not based on our appearance, but on the fact that a loving Creator makes us. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Our true value and identity are not found in how we look but in our character and our relationship with God.

Next Steps

Counseling can be incredibly helpful in addressing the underlying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can contribute to negative body image in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Additionally, a counselor can help build healthier thought patterns, improve self-acceptance, and develop strategies for navigating societal pressures and social media. If you are interested in speaking with a counselor and would like to schedule a session, please call our offices at (496) 333-6163 to schedule an initial risk-free session.