Social Media Promotes the Pursuit of the Thin Ideal Amongst Teens

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Wellness and health have become the center of cultural attention in Western countries, with weight control being the standard measure for well-being. A huge amount of content on social media advances images of diets, healthy foods, exercise, and bodies, which acquire a great deal of engagement (Marks et al. 105659). Research shows that there are increased concerns that social media affects teens’ mental health, thereby impacting eating habits and the way they think about their bodies (Rodgers 195). On the other hand, this notion may not be factual because by promoting healthy eating habits, social media plays a huge role in promoting good health among teens. Research states that social media is a powerful tool when it comes to encouraging exercise and eating better (Roeder). Thus, social media has a significant negative impact on one’s mental health, and while it may have some advantages, the disadvantages ultimately exceed the advantages.

There are many reasons why social media is a platform that advances the idea that having a thin body means that one is healthy, beautiful, or fit. Rodgers states that recent years have witnessed an increase in discussions that focus on maintaining a particular range of weight and that this is defined as healthy (196). Numerous individuals on social media find themselves believing in such notions. As a result, they begin to practice the same lifestyle to gain that specific weight range. However, according to some studies, eating in a certain manner can contribute to leading a healthy lifestyle (Marks et al. 105659). Content on social media includes those that other people have researched and proven. Therefore, it is not completely true that social media encourages teens to lead an unhealthy lifestyle that would tamper with their mental status.

Social media is a medium that contains several factors that increases the chances of developing eating disorders. According to Mabe et al., social networking sites, such as Facebook, bring together two elements that impact eating disorder risk: peers and media (520). Facebook is a site where most teenagers converge and discuss several matters. Additionally, due to the site’s features, individuals can post pictures of themselves for others to see. A majority of teenagers improve their pictures using such software as photoshop and upload them on social media. Since their peers are easily influenced, they begin to copy what they see others do on social media.

Several mental disorders, especially those associated with the thin ideal, are influenced by social media. In the quest to find out what exposure to social media does to an individual’s body image, Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. mention that the relationship between the two is directly proportional (1689). In other words, an increase in negative body image among teens was associated with an increase in exposure. When an individual develops a negative body image, the result is further associated with increased mental disorders. For instance, some of the mental disorders resulting from poor body image include depression and low self-esteem (Mayo). However, Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. acknowledge note everything in social media is harmful to teens. These authors state that when teens are exposed to positive content on these sites, they develop positive body images, thereby improving their mental state (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. 1690). Thus, it is essential to note that despite there being the negative side to social media, there are positives.

Despite the negative consequences, social media promotes healthy living among teenagers. Roeder states that social networking sites can be utilized as mediums where teens can meet to exchange ideas about how to live a healthy life. Social networking sites such as Facebook have groups where like-minded individuals can come together and share their experiences. Therefore, teens create a niche where they are accepted and can easily relate to others. The result of this is that it reduces the likelihood of a person being depressed or developing self-esteem issues. Teens, therefore, create strong networks, which reduce the distance and time they connect, thereby strengthening and expanding their inter-person interactions.

Social media has several teenagers posting several pictures and opinions concerning their body image. Steinsbekk et al., in their article, where they research issues related to social media and its impact on the adolescent, state that it is associated with negative outcomes concerning their body appearance (106528). However, in the same article, the authors further note that this depends on the exposure of an individual (Steinsbekk et al. 106528). In other words, if an individual is exposed to negative body content materials, how they perceive their body would be negatively affected. The opposite is true, positive body content is directly proportional to heightened self-esteem and less depression.

The impacts of social media on an individual’s mental health are significant; however, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Social media is a means that promote the thin ideal and, as a result, teenagers begin to engage in some risky behaviors involving changing their diet. Consequently, since they need to attain a particular weight-rage that is defined as healthy, they develop eating disorders. If these weight ranges prove too difficult to attain, they develop a negative attitude towards their images. Resultantly, these individuals develop mental disorders that may be detrimental to their wellbeing. Despite these disadvantages, when provided with a safe space such as a group where content is controlled, individuals can create strong social networks that would promote their mental well-being.

Works Cited

Fitzsimmons-Craft, Ellen E., et al. “Adolescents, and Young Adults Engaged with Pro-Eating Disorder Social Media: Eating Disorder and Comorbid Psychopathology, Health Care Utilization, Treatment Barriers, and Opinions on Harnessing Technology for Treatment.”Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity, vol. 25, no. 6, 2019, pp. 1681-1692., Web.

Mabe, Annalise G., et al. “Do You “Like” My Photo? Facebook Use Maintains Eating Disorder Risk.”International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 47, no. 5, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2014, pp. 516-523, Web.

Marks, Rosie J., et al. “The Pursuit of Wellness: Social Media, Body Image and Eating Disorders.” Children and Youth Services Review, vol. 119, 2020, pp. 105659.

Mayo, Clinic. “Healthy Body Image: Tips for Guiding Teens.” Mayo Clinic, 2021, Web.

Rodgers, Rachel F. “The Role of The “Healthy Weight” Discourse in Body Image and Eating Concerns: An Extension of Sociocultural Theory.”Eating Behaviors: an International Journal, vol. 22, 2016, pp. 194-198, Web.

Roeder, Amy. “Social Media Use Can Be Positive for Mental Health and Well-being.”News, 2020, Web.

Steinsbekk, Silje, et al. “The Impact of Social Media Uses on Appearance Self-Esteem from Childhood to Adolescence – A 3-Wave Community Study.”Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 114, Elsevier Ltd, 2021, pp. 106528-, Web.

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