The Impact of Social Media on Youth’s Self-Esteem and Self-Image
Authors . Controversy . Health . SocietyLaura Calzón Sancho
In our information-driven society, social media has become an essential part of our society. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Twitter are now crucial aspects of our daily lives and significantly influence users’ perception of themselves and their self-esteem.
Access to social media starts at a younger age, with a significant 40% of children aged nine to thirteen in Spain already having profiles on social platforms, according to technology and smart networks company Monsan. As the youth increasingly engage with social media during a crucial phase of personality and identity development, questions arise to: What extent does social media affect young people? How determinant are they in shaping their identity?
Psychologist Sherry Turkle, author of the book “Alone Together” (2011), emphasizes that online interaction can encourage a carefully constructed representation of oneself, showcasing only the most attractive and successful aspects. The online opinion holds great significance for the youth, with their identity on social media seeking approval from other users. Growing up in a culture that promotes constant comparison, young individuals are susceptible to the allure of influencers and celebrities selling an unattainable lifestyle.
https://www.mediastudies.asia/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Sherry_Turkle_Alone_Together.pdf
A glance at influencer and celebrity profiles reveals the sale of an unsustainable lifestyle, one that even they often struggle to achieve. Young people may experience concerns about not reaching sufficient levels of success, attractiveness or interest compared to these profiles. This worry can trigger anxiety, driving them to constantly seek ways to enhance their own image or compare themselves continually to others to validate their worth.
The obsession with an unachievable perfection often leads to the habitual use of filters, creating a nonexistent self-image. These filters, easily accessible on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, allow users to “fix” problems stemming from low self-esteem with just a click.
In recent interviews, plastic surgeons note an increase in requests to resemble one’s own photos with filters. This trend has become so prevalent that a surgeon in the UK coined the term “Snapchat Dysmorphia” to describe this inclination and potential pathology caused by the influence of filters on self-body images.
In conclusion, young people are a vulnerable population to the impact of social media, as they are in the age of creating and discovering their own identity, a process seriously affected by these platforms.
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