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Social Media's Negative Effect on Body Image

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Social Media's Negative Effect on Body Image

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With social media, teens are being exposed to an abundance of pictures of other teens and adults that they use to compare themselves to. The over-editing of pictures on social media creates a fake illusion of seemingly everyone having perfect bodies, making teens who don't look like skinny, fit models feel bad about their appearance. Teens are also turning to social media for validation on their appearance and in turn are allowing for people to needlessly comment on their appearance which can further hurt their self-image.

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By Common Sense Media | April 28, 2014

Not too long ago, girls might have stressed about being "bikini-ready" every spring when the bathing suit magazines would hit the stands. And boys might have done a few extra pushups after seeing Wolverine's abs. But now, thanks to photo-centric social media like Instagram, Snapchat and other messaging apps, kids are exposed to a constant drumbeat of bikini bodies, six-pack abs, and just-right hair 24/7. And it's not just celebrities pushing idealized images of human perfection. It's your teens' friends posting pictures of themselves and one another for all the world to see and comment on. What's worse, many of these moments are captured seemingly unplanned, increasing kids' anxiety about looking "perfect" -- but effortlessly so -- at all times.

According to Common Sense Media's body-image study, Children, Teens, Media, and Body Image, teens who are active online worry a lot about how they're perceived. In fact, body dissatisfaction appears to be on the rise in the United States. A study by the Keep it Real Campaign found that 80 percent of 10-year-old American girls have been on a diet. Examples of negative teen body image are all over the Web. In YouTube videos, kids ask an Internet audience to tell them if they're pretty or ugly. They rate each other on Instagram. They bare themselves and beg for feedback on formspring.me. They edit their selfies and drink in advice about how to improve their online image.

Why are teens turning to the Internet for body image validation? Well, because they can. In adolescence, self-consciousness and the need for peer-validation are at their height, and the Internet acts as a kind of "super peer," providing a quick route to satisfying both concerns. But no one knows how all this criticism and judgment affect teens' body image. Research on media and body image to date has focused on so-called "traditional" mainstream media -- TV, movies, music, magazines, advertising -- containing unrealistic, idealized, and stereotypical portrayals of body types. But in a world where the feedback is constant, often negative, frequently public, and interactive, it can't be good.

Body image doesn't just happen. It's a complex phenomenon influenced by many factors, including parents, peers, and social contexts. But we know that media messages play a powerful role in shaping gender norms and body satisfaction.

Given that young people today are no longer only passive consumers of media -- they're also creating and sharing peer-to-peer media messages about boys' and girls' appearance - they have the tools of change in their hands. But they need guidance on how to use them. Parents are in a unique position to help their kids counteract negative messages by encouraging them to use media positively, creatively, and responsibly. And above all, to learn to value themselves as complex individuals -- not just another pretty face.

Get tips on talking to your daughters and sons about their body images.

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Is Social Media Giving Your Teen a Negative Body Image?

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By Common Sense Media | April 28, 2014 Not too long ago, girls might have stressed about being "bikini-ready" every spring when the bathing suit magazines would hit the stands. And boys might have done a few extra pushups after seeing Wolverine's abs.

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The negativity on social media often outweighs the positive and has a very negative, draining effect on people

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Social media is driving teen mental health crisis, surgeon general warns

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Social media is driving teen mental health crisis, surgeon general warns

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An overwhelming majority of teens in the world today are active on social media and as a result, the negative effects of social media are now being discovered. A vast range of mental health issues are now being correlated to social media, from eating disorders to depression and even attention deficiency disorders. A contributor to this is the lack of sleep and in-person interactions that are caused by the dependency and excessive use of social media, as well as the mentally damaging comparisons and cyberbullying done on social media.

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Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, long a proponent of mental health awareness, has issued a warning that social media use is a main contributor to depression, anxiety and other problems in the nation's teenagers.

The report, released Tuesday, calls attention to growing concerns about the effects of social media use on children and adolescent's mental health. The advisory urges policymakers and the companies that make the social media platforms to share with parents the burden of managing children's and adolescents' social media use.

Murthy calls youth mental health "the defining public health issue of our time," urging policymakers to help ensure strong safety standards to help protect adolescents and teens from exposure to harmful content and excessive use.

Up to 95% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 say they use a social media platform, according to the report. About a third say they're scrolling, posting or otherwise engaged with social media "almost constantly."

"At this point, we do not have enough evidence to say with confidence that social media is sufficiently safe for our kids, Murthy said in an interview. "We have to now take action to make sure that we are protecting our kids."

The report pulls together research that links social media use and poor mental health in adolescents, such as a 2019 study that found teens who spent more than three hours a day on social media "faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety."

As of last year, students in grades eight and 10 who were surveyed said they spent even more time each day on these platforms: three hours and 30 minutes, on average.

Jim Steyer, founder of Common Sense Media, an organization that advocates for laws and policies to make media more child-friendly, said the advisory was "absolutely spot on" and "should be a clarion call to every parent in this country, every policymaker, that we need to put focus and resources into this effort."

The most popular social media platforms among teens are TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, according to the Pew Research Center.

The surgeon general's warning about social media comes as the rates of teenage depression, sadness and hopelessness have skyrocketed over the past decade, especially among girls.

" Teen depression started to rise around 2012, a time that coincides with the popularity of smartphones," said Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and the author of "Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents-and What They Mean for America's Future."

It was also a time, Twenge said, that "'likes' on posts became common, and the algorithms started to become more sophisticated to keep people on social media for longer. That's clearly not a coincidence."

The surgeon general's report also blamed social media for perpetuating eating disorders, body dysmorphia and low self-esteem. Some evidence also suggests a possible link between excessive social media use and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in teens.

Twenge said social media can a ffect mental health in a variety of ways. Both sleep and face-to-face social interaction are beneficial to mental health, she said, but if kids are online when they should be in bed or spending time with friends, that's a problem.

Feeling left out and comparing oneself to others can also be damaging.

"Even if you know on an intellectual level that they may have taken 200 selfies to get the right one," Twenge said, "at an emotional level, that's not really processed."

What can be done?

The surgeon general's report outlines recommendations for both technology companies and lawmakers.

"Policymakers need to step up and help ensure that we have strong safety standards, to help protect our kids from exposure to harmful content, and to also protect them from excessive use," Murthy said. This includes enforcing age minimums.

Companies are advised to create better tools to protect teenagers, and loosen up on features that entice kids to stay online longer.

It's parents who are on the front lines now in trying to help teens navigate the online world. The report encourages caregivers to create "tech-free" zones in the home, and to talk with kids about how social media use makes them feel.

"It's really not fair to put the onus on parents alone. Why isn't the industry held responsible for creating the platforms and making the features that much more addictive?" Steyer of Common Sense Media said. "There has to be a major national discussion."

How old should kids be before using social media?

Most tech companies require users to be at least 13 years old. But nearly 40% of kids between the ages of 8 and 12 use social media, the report said.

Murthy said he believes even 13 is too young to be on social media but said there wasn't enough data to suggest which age would be appropriate.

Twenge suggested that the age minimum should be set at 16.

"Let's get some regulations in place now to help kids who are not yet on social media," Twenge said. "Maybe we can save the next generation."

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Social media is driving teen mental health crisis, surgeon general warns

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U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy blames social media for rising rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles among teens and adolescents.

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Teen suicides rise in tandem with cyberbullying — and advocates have had enough

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Teen suicides rise in tandem with cyberbullying — and advocates have had enough

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Cyberbullying is a huge issue, especially with the continuous rise of social media. It is so easy for people to hide behind a screen, messaging slurs and insults to people with no consequence. A survey done by the Cyberbullying Research Center showed that 33.8% of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 have been cyberbullied before. Cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and even death. Suicide rates for teenage girls have doubled between the years of 2007 to 2015 and cyberbullying through social media is suspected to be the reason why.

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Teen suicides rise in tandem with cyberbullying - and advocates have had enough

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Easter Sunday in 2012 marked a fault line in Christine McComas' life. Her 15-year-old daughter, Grace McComas, took her own life. McComas tells Salon her daughter was "bright" and "active" - a budding young woman. She was jubilant by nature since birth, McComas says.

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Social media is often very fake and people put on a mask and filters to make life seem perfect.

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Infographic showing how social media effects the mental health of different age and gender demographics

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"According to a research study of American teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms"

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"According to a research study of American teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms"

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How Social Media Affects Your Teen's Mental Health: A Parent's Guide

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A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General advisory cited growing concerns that social media use impacts young people's mental health. Yale experts offer advice to parents.

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Is Social Media Fueling the Youth Mental Health Crisis?

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Is Social Media Fueling the Youth Mental Health Crisis?

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The rising amount of time that teens are spending on social media is having a direct negative impact on their mental health. One study even showed that "spending more than 30 minutes daily on social media was linked to an increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as bullying and attention problems". Social media has had proven to have effects on teen's body image, negative emotions such as loneliness, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

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Social Media and the Youth Mental Health Crisis | Charlie Health

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Click here for data on social media and the youth mental health crisis, like how social media affects youth suicidality, and get tips for healthy social media usage.

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"70% of teenagers believe that social media platforms do not do enough to prevent cyberbullying."

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Social media has become an integral part of our lives. While it has its advantages, it also has its drawbacks. One of the major concerns is its impact on mental health. In this article, we will delve into the statistics surrounding social media and mental health.

15 Key Statistics on Social Media and Mental Health

1. 71% of people who use social media agree that it is important to take a break from it.

2. 45% of social media users feel overwhelmed by the amount of information shared on social media.

3. 24% of teenagers say social media has a mostly negative effect on their life.

4. 70% of teenagers check social media several times a day.

5. 59% of adults who use social media report that it has impacted their mental health.

6. 41% of women on social media report feeling pressure to present themselves in a certain way.

7. 63% of people on social media report being lonely.

8. 37% of people on social media report feeling FOMO (fear of missing out).

9. 63% of parents believe social media is harmful to their children's mental health.

10. 32% of teenagers report being cyberbullied.

11. 40% of people on social media report feeling anxious or depressed after using it.

12. 60% of people on social media report feeling like they need to take a break from it.

13. 70% of teenagers believe that social media platforms do not do enough to prevent cyberbullying.

14. 42% of people on social media report feeling more insecure about their appearance after using it.

15. 37% of people on social media report being negatively impacted by political discussions on social media.

Social Media Use By Teens and Mental Health Statistics

Teenagers are one of the age groups that are most affected by social media. They use it to connect with their peers and share their experiences. However, social media can also have a negative impact on their mental health. Here are some statistics related to social media and teenagers:

24% of teenagers say social media has a mostly negative effect on their life.

70% of teenagers check social media several times a day.

32% of teenagers report being cyberbullied.

70% of teenagers believe that social media platforms do not do enough to prevent cyberbullying.

Social Media and Adults Statistics

Adults are also affected by social media. They use it to connect with their friends and family and keep up with the news. However, social media can also have a negative impact on their mental health. Here are some statistics related to social media and adults:

59% of adults who use social media report that it has impacted their mental health.

41% of women on social media report feeling pressure to present themselves in a certain way.

37% of people on social media report feeling FOMO (fear of missing out).

42% of people on social media report feeling more insecure about their appearance after using it.

37% of people on social media report being negatively impacted by political discussions on social media.

Mixed Views on Social Media's Impact on People Their Age

Source: pewresearch.org

53% of teenagers believe that social media has both positive and negative effects on their generation (source: Pew Research Center)

55% of adults believe that social media is a waste of time (source: PEW Research Center)

60% of parents believe that social media has a negative impact on their children's mental health (source: American Psychological Association)

These statistics show that there are mixed views regarding the impact of social media on people their age. While some believe it has both positive and negative effects, others see it as a waste of time or even harmful to mental health.

Social Media Platforms And The Number of Active Users

Facebook: 2.8 billion monthly active users

YouTube: over 2 billion logged-in monthly active users

WhatsApp: over 2 billion monthly active users

Instagram: over 1 billion monthly active users, with a majority being under the age of 35

TikTok: over 1 billion monthly active users

WeChat: over 1.2 billion monthly active users

QQ: over 800 million monthly active users

Sina Weibo: over 550 million monthly active users

Reddit: over 430 million monthly active users

Twitter: over 330 million monthly active users

Here are some of the most widely used social media platforms and their number of monthly active users as of 2021:

These platforms are used by people all over the world to connect with others and share information and ideas.

Social Media and Loneliness

63% of people on social media report being lonely.

40% of people on social media report feeling anxious or depressed after using it.

60% of people on social media report feeling like they need to take a break from it.

Social media is often seen as a way to connect with others. However, it can also lead to loneliness. Here are some statistics related to social media and loneliness:

Negative Impacts of Social Media Use on Mental Health

A study found that individuals who spent more than two hours a day on social media were more likely to report poor mental health.

Increased social media use is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.

In a survey, 45% of young adults reported feeling more anxious after using social media.

Research has shown that social media use is associated with increased feelings of loneliness and decreased life satisfaction.

Negative impacts of social media use on mental health are a growing concern. Here are some statistics related to this issue:

44% of people on social media report experiencing online harassment or abuse.

37% of adults who use social media report being exposed to false or misleading information.

In a survey, 42% of young adults reported feeling sad or depressed after using social media for an extended period of time.

A study found that individuals who experienced cyberbullying were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

21% of teens report feeling worse about their own lives because of what they see on social media.

Social media use has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

A study found that Instagram is the worst social media platform for mental health, with negative effects including anxiety, depression, and poor body image.

Negative Experiences in Social Media

62% of people who experience mental health problems have been negatively impacted by social media usage.

Social media addiction is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality.

A study found that individuals who spent more than two hours a day on social media were more likely to report poor mental health.

Social media usage has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and decreased life satisfaction.

In a survey, 45% of young adults reported feeling more anxious after using social media.

Cyberbullying can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Social media platforms have been criticized for not doing enough to prevent cyberbullying.

Social Media Usage and Impact on Mental Health

Source: childtrends.org

In 2019, the suicide rate among youth aged 15 to 19 was 14.5 per 100,000 individuals.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24.

In a survey conducted in 2020, it was found that almost one in four high school-aged youth have considered committing suicide in the past year.

Additionally, the same survey found that approximately one in ten high school-aged youth have attempted suicide in the past year.

Alarming Rates of Suicidal Ideation and Attempts Among High School-Aged Youth

A study found that individuals who spent more than two hours a day on social media were more likely to report poor mental health.

71% of people who use social media agree that it is important to take a break from it.

Social media addiction is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality.

Increased social media use is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.

In a survey, 60% of people on social media reported feeling like they need to take a break from it.

Social Media Addiction and Mental Health

Social media addiction is a growing concern, with more and more people spending increasing amounts of time on these platforms. Here are some statistics related to social media addiction and its impact on mental health:

21% of social media users check their accounts more than five times per day.

The average person spends about 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media.

Social media addiction is more common among young adults, with 28% of them admitting to being addicted to social media.

90% of people aged between 18 and 29 use social media.

The number of people using social media has increased by over 13% in the last year alone.

Social Media Addiction Statistics

Social media addiction is a growing concern with many people spending increasing amounts of time on these platforms. Here are some statistics related to the trend of social media addiction:

Conclusion

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, with billions of people using it every day. While it has its benefits, such as connecting with others and sharing information and ideas, social media also has negative impacts on mental health. Studies have found links between social media use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and poor sleep quality.

Cyberbullying is also a growing concern among teenagers who use social media to connect with their peers. Furthermore, the rise of social media addiction is alarming, with more and more people spending increasing amounts of time on these platforms.

It's important to recognize the potential negative impacts of social media use on mental health and take steps to mitigate them. This may involve limiting social media usage or taking breaks from it altogether. Social media platforms themselves can also do more to prevent cyberbullying and promote positive mental health outcomes for their users.

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media, it's crucial that we prioritize our mental health and well-being above all else.

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70+ Social Media and Mental Health Statistics (2023)

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Social media use linked to anxiety, depression, loneliness, poor sleep. Cyberbullying up, addiction on rise.

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Social Media's Negative Impact on Teen Mental Health

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Social Media's Negative Impact on Teen Mental Health

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this video discusses how social media impacts the mental health of teens

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Does social media negatively impact teen mental health?

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The overwhelming space social media takes over in our lives, causing extreme anxiety and stress

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The activities that occur on social media bleeds into our real lives and affects us physically and mentally