social media body essay

The Impact of Social Media on Body Image, Eating, and Health

Emerging research suggests social media may be more harmful than we realize..

Posted February 8, 2022 | Reviewed by Hara Estroff Marano

• Social media use is on the rise, with over 70 percent of Americans regularly online.
• Social media and dating apps are potentially harmful to users, both emotionally and physically.
• Researchers have found negative effects on body image, eating behavior, mood, and physical health.
• Future research is required to better understand current findings and to determine how to safeguard healthy use of social media..

Social media captivates like nothing else, drawing us into a kaleidoscope of digitally mediated relationships, information and disinformation, and an endless experience of virtual window shopping. We don't always know what we are buying, however.

We’ve embarked on a vast social experiment without giving much thought to how it will play out. The scope of the problem is hard to overstate—between 2005 and 2021, as reported by the Pew Research Center, the average number of Americans regularly using social media has gone from 5 percent to over 70 percent, and rising.

Mirror, Mirror

As the science-fiction quality of the metaverse (described by Neal Stephenson in his classic 1992 novel Snow Crash ) becomes a reality, there is no question that what it means to be human is shifting, with uncertainty, promise, and peril.

More than anything, social media has become a mirror through which we catch a glimpse of ourselves, literally through selfies and photos taken by others, and through how we react to one another, through our experience of online connectedness both on major social media platforms as well as through dating apps and live interactive online events—and through the prospect of fully immersive experiences in virtual reality, within which we can take on any identity we wish in a world freed from the laws of physics and logic.

Researchers, too, have been paying attention to social media, how the digital migration to living online more than in the real world is affecting people. From concerns that we are becoming more pathologically narcissistic , immersed in our smartphone realities where we present a sugar-coated version of ourselves while comparing ourselves to impossibly perfect, processed images of others and their glamorous lives, to getting ground down through the virtual meat market of online dating, to losing critical attachment skills required for intimate relationships, to the potential effect on physical health, to the effects on political systems and global stability, the need to understand what social media is doing to us is more pressing now than ever before.

With the above in mind, four recent studies highlight emerging correlations between social media and dating app use and health outcomes.

Mathew and colleagues (2022) sought to understand how social media use may lead to body dissatisfaction. Following a group of over 6,000 adults (about 60 percent women, average age in their early 50s, ranging from 19-92 years old) and using standardized measures, researchers asked participants about social media use, body dissatisfaction, body mass index (BMI), and a range of demographic variables. They followed them over the course of several years, starting in 2015, to determine whether social media use predicted future body dissatisfaction.

They found that increased social media use predicted body dissatisfaction one year later, and body dissatisfaction also predicted greater social media use, with a small but significant effect size. There were differences between men and women: Social media use and body dissatisfaction worked both ways for women, but for men, while body satisfaction predicted social media use, the reverse was not true in this sample. Being younger, female, and having a higher BMI were associated with greater body image dissatisfaction.

Portingalea and colleagues focused on how women’s dating app use affected daily mood, body image, and eating behavior. Nearly 300 women ranging in age from 18 to 48 participated in this study, completing a baseline survey of lifetime dating app use, partner preference with a focus on whether they sought idealized or realistic partners in terms of physical traits, and the degree of their own rejection sensitivity related to looks. Researchers followed them with a smartphone-based assessment daily for one week, rating daily experiences of body dissatisfaction, disordered eating urges (e.g. to binge eat), and mood.

One-third of participants showed a correlation between lifetime dating app use and both disordered eating urges and negative mood. Neither idealized partner preference nor rejection sensitivity were correlated with eating or mood in this study.

Carter and colleagues looked at whether the coherence of sense of self, known as “ self-concept clarity”, influenced social media users to compare themselves with online depictions of idealized slender bodies. Near 500 women aged 18 to 25 participated in this study, completing a measure of self-concept clarity and body image dissatisfaction, rating experimental images showing either idealized bodies or neutral comparisons.

Participants with lower self-concept clarity compared themselves more with idealized body images and consequently reported greater body image dissatisfaction. The findings suggest that having a less well-developed sense of self increases the risk of negative reactions when browsing social media.

Lee and colleagues recruited 251 undergraduate students for a landmark early study looking at how physical health may be affected by the stress associated with social media use. In addition to demographic information, participants completed a composite measure of social media use, focusing on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, to estimate total social media load.

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ15) was used for somatic symptoms (such as headache, body aches, and chest pain), as well as depression . Participants' use of health care was assessed based on how many times they’d visited a health center or physician’s office, or otherwise sought medical care for a medical condition, in the prior three months. Data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, participants’ blood was drawn and tested for C-reactive protein (CRP), a common marker of inflammation.

They found that greater social media use was associated with increased somatic symptoms, regardless of depression symptoms. Greater social media use was associated with more healthcare visits, also independent of depression. Finally, controlling for other factors (demographics, birth control use, depression, healthcare use), CRP levels were significantly elevated among those reporting greater social media use.

A Call to Action?

Emerging research on social media use is concerning. Social media use is associated with negative psychological and general health outcomes, ranging from body-image dissatisfaction, problematic eating, greater healthcare utilization for physical symptoms, and potential negative effects on physiology (e.g. increased inflammatory blood markers). The observation that low self-concept clarity leaves users vulnerable to body-image dissatisfaction is noteworthy; low self-concept clarity has also been associated with difficulty leaving unsatisfying relationships .

Future research is needed to replicate or refute these findings, to map out the exact mechanisms by which social media may adversely impact health, and to work out ways in which social media may be useful and even help improve physical and emotional health.

Social media and internet dating companies interested in the public good can use these data to ensure that the tools they provide are not causing harm—and preferably to improve users' health. As the public becomes more aware of the pros and cons of social media use, market forces are likely to increase the demand for companies to work on behalf of customers while also looking to the bottom line.

As families and individuals make choices about social media, it is of critical importance that they be armed with up-to-date information about the impact of such behavior on health and well-being. For parents, this research adds to the growing body of cautionary information and is a call to get educated and manage social media immersion. For healthcare providers, assessing patients for social media use is a key element of treatment planning.

This research shows that it’s not only younger folks who are at risk from social media but also adults across the lifespan. There's no denying that social media and all the other promises of evolving information technology and machine learning hold great potential to improve quality of life, but only if we slow down and study the effect of these spectacular new tools and learn to use them wisely.

Mathew D. Marques, Susan J. Paxton, Siân A. McLean, Hannah K. Jarman, Chris G. Sibley, A prospective examination of relationships between social media use and body dissatisfaction in a representative sample of adults, Body Image, Volume 40, 2022, Pages 1-11, ISSN 1740-1445, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.008 .

Jade Portingale, Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Shanshan Liu, Sarah Eddy, Xinyue Liu, Sarah Giles, Isabel Krug, Love me Tinder: The effects of women’s lifetime dating app use on daily body dissatisfaction, disordered eating urges, and negative mood, Body Image, Volume 40, 2022, Pages 310-321, ISSN 1740-1445, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.005 .

David S. Lee, Tao Jiang, Jennifer Crocker, and Baldwin M. Way.Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.ahead of print http://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2021.0188

Jeanne J. Carter, Lenny R. Vartanian, Self-concept clarity and appearance-based social comparison to idealized bodies, Body Image, Volume 40, 2022, Pages 124-130, ISSN 1740-1445, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.12.001 .

Grant Hilary Brenner, M.D., a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, helps adults with mood and anxiety conditions, and works on many levels to help unleash their full capacities and live and love well.

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Pen Talks student panelists discuss media and body image

Arguably, social media has had some amount of positive impact on society, but it definitely comes with costs. On Oct. 19, PEN Talks addressed one of them: how body image is affected by social media.

Pen Talks exists to encourage student connection through conversations about hard-to-talk-about topics like mental health, race, minority groups’ role in society and body image.

Brittany Matus, Daniela Marquez, Jason Nounanounou and Aubryn Ordyna were the four student panelists discussing the topic at the event. Kebo Nguimbi, a BYUSA member, directed the forum. According to Nguimbi, her goal in choosing this topic for the PEN Talks forum was for everyone to appreciate their differences and not let body image be part of a social equation. She emphasized that everyone is a child of God, perfectly made in His image.

According to the National Organization for Women , 53% of American girls are unsatisfied with their bodies. By the time they turn 17, that percentage jumps to 78%. One cause of negative body image is comparison.

Aubryn Ordyna, a BYU student-athlete, shared how she copes with comparison.

"Something that I like to use is thought diffusion," she said.

Ordyna explained how she identifies her thoughts as either positive or negative. For the negative ones, she acknowledges them but refuses to make them her reality by reciting power statements and positive affirmations in her head.

Brittany Matus, a master’s student and a member of the Body Project at BYU, added her piece to the conversation about comparison.

"For me, these last couple weeks, I've been reminding myself that my body looks and is the way it is because it needs to be that way right now to get me through," Matus said.

She emphasized the importance of realizing that our bodies are gifts, serving us in ways only we can benefit from.

Another topic discussed was the positive impact of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and understanding God’s love for us on people's body image.

"I often think of how Satan wants a body so badly, and it is the one thing that he cannot have. He will do anything in his power to destroy our thoughts about our bodies," Ordyna said.

Jason Nounanounou, a business student and employee at the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership, shared his thoughts on the gospel and body image.

"Something that really encourages me is the truth that we've all been sculpted by the same creator, that we've all been stamped with the same superscription of God," Nounanounou said.

When asked about setting boundaries on social media to protect mental health, Daniela Marquez, a student employee at the Women’s Services and Resources office and a facilitator of the Body Project, shared her insights.

"It can feel very empowering to feel like you can take your social media back," Marquez said. "Just making sure that you have control of your feed is really empowering, and it can help shift your mindset."

Marquez suggested students can do this by following accounts they are genuinely interested in and resharing positive, uplifting posts to influence social media algorithms.

When asked about positive self-talk, Ordyna mentioned using the "I Am" affirmation app to maintain a positive mindset. She also spoke about creating self-love.

"Some positive body affirmations I use are saying to myself, ‘This is a good body.’ I think that can be helpful in learning to truly appreciate your body. The more we practice telling ourselves positive things, the more it becomes our reality," Ordyna said.

Marquez emphasized the power of mentality and how she keeps it positive.

"I like going through and just thanking my body for what it's able to do, breaking it down and being grateful — not because it's something to look at but because it allows me to do the things I love," Marquez said.

Nounanounou said he turns to prayer for positive self-talk.

"I love having this personal dialogue with the Lord because I feel like He sees me and He knows me," he said. "Something that helps me is putting distractions away."

Matus added that it's important to allow ourselves to take care of our bodies to find balance.

"With balancing all the different aspects like physical and mental health, you have to give yourself permission to take care of yourself," Matus said.

The final question posed was a difficult one: How do you reconcile being body-positive with the knowledge that people who are conventionally attractive are treated better in society?

Daniela Marquez offered her perspective.

"As a society, we've been socialized to accept one body type as the perfect person," she said. "The question asks how we can carry body positivity while also knowing that people who look a certain way are treated better. But if we look at it from a different perspective, who is it that’s giving them that treatment?"

Marquez went on to explain even people perceived as perfect are edited and touched up and can never meet society's standards.

"Even they are not meeting the standard because they’re getting touched up and made to be more perfect," Marquez said. "If no one can meet that standard, then why do we have it?"

God made people in His image. He is perfect, and so is everyone in their own way. This PEN Talks forum reiterated that point, teaching attendees how to maintain a positive mindset amid negative body analysis and comparison.

The event concluded by reminding attendees of resources available to help students with issues discussed in the forum including the Body Project , nutrition and wellness consultations , New CHAPTER , and BYU Counseling and Psychological Services .

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Does Social Media Affect Your Body Image?

What messages have you received from social media about how your body should look?

By Callie Holtermann

What do the posts in your social media feeds tell you about how your body should look? How do they affect the way you feel about your body?

In general, how does what you see on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or other social media sites affect your body image, which is defined as “a combination of the thoughts and feelings that you have about your body”?

In “ What Is ‘Bigorexia’? ” Alex Hawgood writes that some teenage boys feel pressure to build muscle because of what they see on social media:

Like many high school athletes, Bobby , 16, a junior from Long Island, has spent years whipping his body into shape through protein diets and workouts. Between rounds of Fortnite and homework, Bobby goes online to study bodybuilders like Greg Doucette , a 46-year-old fitness personality who has more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. Bobby also hits his local gym as frequently as six days a week. “Those guys made me realize I wanted to get bodies like them and post stuff like them,” said Bobby, who has fluffy curls of dark hair and the compact frame of a gymnast. (The New York Times is not publishing the surnames of minors or the names of their parents in this article to protect their privacy.) He makes sure to hit the fridge, too, grazing on protein-packed Kodiak Cakes and muscle-mass-building Oreo shakes. He consumes so much protein that classmates sometimes gawk at him for eating upward of eight chicken-and-rice meals at school. But Bobby isn’t getting buff so he can stand out during varsity tryouts. His goal is to compete in a different arena: TikTok. Bobby now posts his own workout TikToks. Shot on his iPhone 11, usually at the gym or in his family’s living room, the videos are devoted to topics like how to get a “gorilla chest,” “Popeye forearms” or “Lil Uzi’s abs.”

The article continues:

For many boys and young men, muscle worship has become practically a digital rite of passage in today’s beefcake-saturated culture. Examples are everywhere — the hypermasculine video games they play, the mesomorphic superheroes in the movies they watch. The top grossing films of last year were ruled by C.G.I.-enhanced masculine clichés: Spider-Man, Shang Chi, Venom and the entire Marvel universe. Many doctors and researchers say that the relentless online adulation of muscular male bodies can have a toxic effect on the self-esteem of young men, with the never-ending scroll of six packs and boy-band faces making them feel inadequate and anxious. And while there has been increased public awareness about how social media can be harmful to teenagers — spurred in part by the leak of internal research from Facebook showing that the company hid the negative effects of Instagram — much of that focus has been on girls. Recent reports, however, have found that those same online pressures can also cause teenage boys to feel bad about their bodies.

Students, read or listen to the entire article , then tell us:

How does social media affect the way you feel about your body? Has it ever made you feel bad about the way you look? Has it ever made you feel good?

Did you relate to any of the teenagers quoted in this article? If so, which ones, and why?

What messages have you received about how your body should look from social media and what you should do to make it look that way? Pick one of these messages and evaluate it: Is it good advice for teenagers? Would you share it with one of your friends?

Do you feel that men are encouraged or discouraged in sharing struggles or insecurities related to their bodies? Why do you think that is?

“The line between getting fit and fanatical is not always clear,” Mr. Hawgood writes. Do you agree? Do you think teenagers can learn useful lessons about fitness online without becoming obsessive or unhealthy? How?

Have you ever encountered body-positive content on social media? How has it made you feel? Do you think posts of this kind are useful? Why or why not?

Want more writing prompts? You can find all of our questions in our Student Opinion column . Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate them into your classroom.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Callie Holtermann joined The Learning Network as a senior news assistant in 2020. More about Callie Holtermann

Adolescents’ Social Media Use and Body Image

Recent revelations about Meta’s internal research findings have raised new questions about the role of social media in adolescents’ body image and mental health, particularly for girls (Wall Street Journal 2021). High-profile debates have raged about the potential mental health harms of social media (SM), contributing to a recent series of congressional hearings and legislative proposals (Anon 2022). Meanwhile, academics have debated whether time spent on SM contributes to adolescent mental health and wellbeing (Granic et al. 2020; Hamilton et al. 2022; Odgers and Jensen 2020; Orben 2020). In a recent theoretical paper, my colleagues and I highlighted the importance of moving beyond a focus on screen-time, and toward a nuanced perspective on specific SM experiences that may promote vs. hinder positive development (Hamilton et al. 2022). Most recently, we proposed a developmental–sociocultural theoretical framework for how and why specific SM behaviors may increase adolescent girls’ body image concerns (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2022). These perspectives dovetail with sociocultural and developmental perspectives on adolescent SM use, which highlight the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches that center screen-time (Ito et al. 2020).

In this essay, I provide an overview of the state of sociocultural and developmental literature on adolescents’ SM use and body image. First, I discuss key theoretical perspectives regarding developmental and sociocultural influences on adolescents’ body image. Next, I introduce the “perfect storm” framework, a developmental–sociocultural framework for social media’s role in adolescents’ body image and mental health. Subsequently, I provide an overview of the state of the empirical literature on SM use and body image, with sections on social comparisons, the internalization of beauty standards, the “body-positive” movement, appearance-related SM consciousness, selfie behaviors, and individual differences based on identity and social–cognitive factors. Finally, I discuss implications and conclusions.

Adolescent Body Image: Overview and Key Theories

The majority of adolescents experience body image concerns, with rates especially high among girls (Daniels et al. 2020; Neumark-Sztainer et al. 2006). These concerns can include body dissatisfaction and weight/shape concerns (Thompson et al. 1999), body shame (McKinley and Hyde 1996), and self-objectification (Fredrickson and Roberts 1997). A recent nationally representative sample of U.S. youth aged 14-24 found that weight/shape concerns were elevated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 40% of participants reporting having adopted behaviors aimed at controlling weight and/or shape during the pandemic (Schmid et al. 2022). Importantly, body image concerns have been linked to a broad range of problems that can interfere with adolescents’ wellbeing, including low self-esteem and self-worth, anxiety, disordered eating, depressive symptoms, and academic interference (Biro et al. 2006; Lewis-Smith et al. 2020; Paxton et al. 2006; Stice and Bearman 2001; Vannucci and Ohannessian 2018; Yanover and Thompson 2008). In this section, I discuss key sociocultural and developmental theories of body image.

Sociocultural Theories of Body Image

Since the 1990s, three key sociocultural theories have guided research on how media influences body image. These theories were developed to address mass media (e.g., television, magazines) before the advent of modern SM. First, the tripartite influence model proposed that peers, family, and the media transmit messages about cultural beauty standards, leading to social comparisons and internalization of problematic beauty ideals (Thompson et al. 1999). For example, imagine an adolescent girl who sees advertisements promoting weight-loss products, hears her mother discussing a desire to lose weight, and compares herself to photos of celebrities and popular peers who are thin. This adolescent is likely to internalize the “thin ideal” – the idea that thinness is desirable and important for women to attain. Social comparisons and internalization of unrealistic beauty standards can increase individuals’ perceived discrepancies between their ideal and real bodies, contributing to body dissatisfaction (Thompson et al. 1999). For example, an adolescent who internalizes the “thin ideal,” and who believes their body does not match this ideal, is likely to feel dissatisfied with their body.

Second, objectification theory proposed that in a society that sexually objectifies girls and women, girls and women learn to view themselves as if from a third-person perspective—in other words, to engage in self-objectification (Fredrickson and Roberts 1997). Girls who are high in self-objectification, and the closely related construct of objectified body consciousness, are more likely to view their self-worth as being based primarily on how they look, and to prioritize how they look over how they feel – which has been linked body dissatisfaction, body shame, and a range of mental health concerns (Daniels et al. 2020; Fredrickson and Roberts 1997; McKinley and Hyde 1996). Third, uses and gratifications theory emphasizes the agency of individuals in seeking out specific media content (Rubin 1994), such that adolescents’ preexisting tendencies and needs lead them to seek out specific media content. For example, an adolescent with body image interests or concerns may seek out beauty-related content, whereas adolescents who do not spend as much time thinking about their bodies will be less likely to search for body-related content. Since these theories were first published, dozens of empirical studies have supported their key tenets (Daniels et al. 2020; Moradi and Huang 2008). However, these traditional theories did not emphasize the developmental processes that are unique to adolescence.

Developmental Theories of Adolescent Body Image

Several key developmental processes contribute to heightened risk for body image concerns during adolescence. First, pubertal changes lead to dramatic alterations in weight and shape, which bring many adolescents further from sociocultural body ideals. For example, cisgender girls tend to gain weight during puberty, resulting in a greater discrepancy between their real and ideal bodies (Klump 2013; Markey 2010). Additionally, my research team’s qualitative interviews with transgender adolescents shed light on how pubertal development can lead to increased body dissatisfaction, as one’s body develops secondary sex characteristics that are misaligned with one’s gender identity (Romito et al. 2021). In contrast to cisgender girls and transgender youth, cisgender boys may find that the physical changes associated with puberty—particularly increases in muscle mass—may bring them closer to current cultural beauty standards for men; however, boys often experience body dissatisfaction due to other developmental and sociocultural factors discussed below, and may engage in excessive muscle-building behaviors in an effort to conform to the male muscular ideal (Frederick et al. 2022).

Second, during adolescence, youth are acutely attuned to their peers’ behaviors and attitudes, susceptible to peer influences, and concerned about their status among peers (Brechwald and Prinstein 2011; Giletta et al. 2021). Sensitivity to social reward peaks during adolescence, such that positive feedback from peers, or even the mere presence of peers, can activate neural responses associated with reward (Kilford et al. 2016; Sherman et al. 2016). This is in part due to rapid changes in the brain’s socioaffective circuitry during pubertal development, which have been linked to elevated emotional reactivity and social sensitivity (Somerville 2013). Furthermore, adolescents experience a social-cognitive phenomenon known as the imaginary audience, in which they believe they are the unique focus of others’ attention (Elkind 1967). In the context of these biopsychosocial changes, an “appearance culture” develops, in which peers frequently discuss physical attractiveness and ascribe status to those deemed attractive (Jones 2001; Mayeux and Kleiser 2020). The desire to engage in impression management and to present oneself favorably does not end with adolescence (Leary 1996; Schlenker and Pontari 2000), but during the adolescent period, this human drive may intersect with the peer appearance culture and heightened egocentrism to explain adolescents’ uniquely strong focus on physical appearance (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2022).

Some—but not all—of these phenomena are especially relevant for girls. Girls are socialized to prioritize their physical appearance (Daniels et al. 2020). They are bombarded with messages about the importance of being pretty, sexually attractive, and thin. Objectification theory was developed to address shared psychological experiences among women and girls (Fredrickson and Roberts 1997). Overall, research with cisgender adolescents indicates that girls are more likely than boys to report appearance-contingent self-worth (Burwell and Shirk 2009) and girls’ physical attractiveness is especially salient for their social status among peers (Mayeux and Kleiser 2020).

“The Perfect Storm”? A Developmental–Sociocultural Framework for Social Media’s Role in Adolescent Girls’ Body Image and Mental Health

The developmental and sociocultural theories discussed thus far in this section can help explain why body image concerns have long been common among adolescents, and especially girls. How does SM intersect with these factors? This is the core question my colleagues and I addressed in our developmental–sociocultural theoretical framework for the role of SM in adolescent girls’ body image concerns (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2022). We proposed that the features of SM intersect with the broader developmental and sociocultural factors discussed above, to create the “perfect storm” for exacerbating some girls’ body image concerns (see Figure 2.1). We focused specifically on girls, but here we address the state of the literature for adolescents of all genders. Sociocultural and developmental approaches to youth technology engagement encourage moving beyond one-size-fits-all theories and a focus on time spent using SM, and toward studying the specific forms of SM engagement that may exacerbate or protect against mental health risks among different adolescents (Ito et al. 2020). The “perfect storm” framework focuses on specific, subjective SM experiences that are affected by gender and individual differences.

Figure 2.1 The “Perfect Storm” Developmental–Sociocultural Framework of Social Media Use and Body Image Concerns, Adapted from the version first published in Choukas-Bradley et al. (2022) in Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review (Springer).

State of the Literature: A Summary of Empirical Research on Adolescents’ Social Media Use and Body Image

Systematic reviews indicate that heightened exposure to appearance-focused SM sites is associated with greater body dissatisfaction – covering a broad range of methods and both adolescent and adult samples, with predominantly female participants (de Valle et al. 2021; Fioravanti et al. 2022; Holland and Tiggemann 2016; Saiphoo and Vahedi 2019). In this section, I provide an overview of the state of the literature in several research areas related to specific SM experiences: social comparison, the internalization of beauty standards, appearance-related social media consciousness, selfie behaviors, and other individual differences based on identity and social-cognitive factors.

Social Comparisons on Social Media

Social comparison is one of the primary ways through which SM use affects body image (Rodgers 2016). On highly visual SM sites, many adolescents are exposed to curated, edited, and idealized images of peers, celebrities, and a novel SM-specific reference group, influencers —those who gather large followings based on their SM presence (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2022). A recent systematic review of experimental studies found social comparisons related to physical appearance to play an important role in links between SM use and body image, although the majority of these studies focused on adults (Fioravanti et al. 2022). Most research focused on adolescents’ appearance-related social comparisons on SM has relied on cross-sectional, non-experimental studies. Consistent with experimental work with adults (Fioravanti et al. 2022), cross-sectional studies with adolescents have also found social comparison to play an important role in the link between appearance-related SM use and body dissatisfaction across many nations (Chang et al. 2019; Jarman et al. 2021a; Roberts et al. 2022; Rodgers et al. 2020; Ryding and Kuss 2020; Scully et al. 2020; Yang et al. 2020). An important methodological note is that cross-sectional, non-experimental studies cannot determine causality or temporal precedence. For example, these study designs cannot rule out the possibility that adolescents who initially have higher social comparison tendencies are more likely to seek out appearance-related SM content (consistent with uses and gratifications theory; Rubin 1994).

Several aspects of SM may help explain the role of social comparison. First, social comparisons with SM images of friends, peers, influencers, and celebrities can trigger body dissatisfaction because these images are often carefully selected and edited with filters, blemish-correctors, and reshaping/resizing tools, in order to maximize attractiveness (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2022; Chua and Chang 2016; Scully et al. 2020). For example, in an experimental study conducted in the Netherlands, girls exposed to edited, reshaped/resized SM images of young women reported worse body image than those exposed to unedited photos, but only among girls with high social comparison tendencies (Kleemans et al. 2018). Second, adolescents’ SM feeds blend images of peers, celebrities, and influencers, blurring the lines among various sources of social comparison (Johnson et al. 2019). Many influencers are young women who become famous by demonstrating beauty routines or simply by posting attractive photos. The effects of SM influencer imagery exposure on body image have thus far primarily been examined among young adult women, with experimental studies finding higher negative mood and body dissatisfaction among those exposed to this imagery (Lowe-Calverley and Grieve 2021; McComb and Mills 2021). Third, researchers have examined the effects of exposure to SM content that specifically promotes thinness or fitness (i.e., “thinspiration” and “fitspiration” content), which has been linked to body dissatisfaction among young women in lab studies (Robinson et al. 2017; Rounds and Stutts 2020), likely due to upward social comparison processes, as well as internalization of beauty ideals (Rodgers 2016).

Social Media Use and the Internalization of Beauty Standards

As discussed earlier, traditional theories regarding body image focused on both social comparisons and the internalization of beauty ideals, such as the “thin ideal.” Exposure to thin-ideal SM imagery has been found to predict body dissatisfaction in recent experiments with adolescent girls and young adult women (Fioravanti et al. 2022), but beauty standards have also substantially evolved. Boys and men are now socialized to pursue body ideals that are both lean and muscular, whereas girls and women face beauty ideals that are increasingly complex: toned and fit, with a particular “slim-thick” body shape characterized by large buttocks, breasts, and thighs, with a small waist and flat stomach (Frederick et al. 2022; Gültzow et al. 2020; McComb and Mills 2022; Roberts et al. 2022). Recent experimental research indicates that exposure to “Fitspiration” content and/or general muscular imagery through SM increases body dissatisfaction among young adult men and women (Barron et al. 2021; Rounds and Stutts 2020), while self-report studies have documented that muscular ideal internalization mediates the link between SM use and body dissatisfaction among adolescent and young adult men and women (Fatt et al. 2019; Skowronski et al. 2021). The slim-thick body type is a newer area of research focus. McComb and Mills recently conducted an experiment with female Canadian undergraduates, finding that comparisons with slim-thick SM imagery predicted more weight and appearance dissatisfaction than comparisons with thin-ideal images (McComb and Mills 2022). In my team’s recent (not yet published) qualitative interviews with U.S. Black young women, several participants discussed the cultural appropriation of Black women’s bodies and beauty standards in the mainstreaming of this slim-thick beauty ideal (Ladd et al. 2022).

The “Body-Positive” Movement

Importantly, the “body-positive” movement has received extensive public and research attention in recent years. This movement ostensibly aims to increase body acceptance through representation of a diverse range of bodies and broadened definitions of beauty (Lazuka et al. 2020). Overall, findings are mixed regarding the effects of exposure to body-positive content on SM. Some experimental studies with young women have found exposure to such images and captions to be more positive than exposure to thin-ideal or “fitspiration” posts (Cohen et al. 2019; Davies et al. 2020). On the other hand, theoretical and empirical work suggest that the movement may exacerbate the focus on physical appearance, reassert the dominance of White thin bodies, and increase self-objectification (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2022; Cohen et al. 2020; Vendemia et al. 2021). Importantly, supporting uses and gratifications theory, a large study of Czech adolescent girls and boys suggested that body-positive online content may be associated with positive body image only among those who deliberately seek it out (Kvardova et al. 2022). A recent review of studies of body-positive media concluded that non-appearance focused media may be most promotive of body satisfaction (Rodgers et al. 2021).

Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness & Selfie Behaviors

Is the “imaginary audience” still imaginary in a world where any moment can be photographed and broadcast to a huge audience? How common is it for adolescents to feel worried about their appearance on SM? Might they think about the SM audience even when they are offline? These are the questions that have driven my work related to appearance-related social media consciousness (ASMC), colloquially known as being “camera-ready” (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2019). My colleagues and I first introduced the construct when publishing results from a preliminary study with U.S. young adult women (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2019), and we subsequently developed and validated the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale with samples of adolescents (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2020) and young adults (Maheux et al. 2022b). Examples of ASMC experiences include imagining how photos will look on SM, imagining one’s body on SM even when alone, looking at SM photos again and again, and editing photos to make oneself look better (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2020).

Our research indicates that individual differences in ASMC have relevance to both body image and mental health: higher levels of ASMC have been linked with adolescents’ and young adults’ body image concerns and mental health symptoms in several samples, with new research underway (Choukas-Bradley et al. 2020; Maheux et al. 2022b). One key takeaway point is that girls report higher average ASMC scores than boys. A second key finding is that higher ASMC is associated with higher depressive symptoms among both girls and boys, both concurrently and longitudinally. Third, we have thus far found that ASMC precedes heightened depressive symptoms, rather than developing in response to depressive symptoms (Maheux et al. 2022a). We have recently collected ASMC data among transgender and nonbinary youth (not yet published); understanding how SM affects body image among gender minority adolescents is an important area for future research.

Beyond our lab’s work on ASMC, many other studies have documented connections between appearance-related SM use and preoccupation with one’s appearance. For instance, Zimmer-Gembeck and colleagues developed the Social Media Appearance Preoccupation Scale (SMAPS), consisting of items reflecting online self-presentation, appearance-related activity online, and appearance comparison, and found scores to be associated with a range of indicators of emotional adjustment, appearance concerns, and interpersonal behaviors among Australian adolescent boys and girls (Zimmer-Gembeck et al. 2021). Consistent with our work on ASMC, mean SMAPS scores were higher among girls (Zimmer-Gembeck et al. 2021). Similarly, and consistent with uses and gratifications theory (Rubin 1994), researchers recently examined motivations to engage in SM use, and found that appearance feedback motivations were associated with lower body satisfaction among Australian girls and boys (Jarman et al. 2021b).

Selfie Behaviors

Other research suggests that simply taking or editing selfies may increase an objectified view of the self. For example, a lab-based study with U.S. undergraduate men and women found the simple act of taking a selfie to increase state self-objectification (Salomon and Brown 2020). Additionally, studies have linked adolescents’ SM use with traditional measures of self-objectification (Skowronski et al. 2020; Vandenbosch and Eggermont 2016), and a study of adolescent girls in China found higher selfie-posting to be linked to higher levels of self-objectification (Zheng et al. 2019). Several studies have found selfie editing behaviors to be especially predictive of body image concerns (Tiggemann et al. 2020; Wick and Keel 2020).

Importantly, the visual nature of SM may intersect with its quantifiable peer feedback metrics to exacerbate the focus on selfies. For example, research in Australia and the U.S. indicates that greater investment in SM photos and their feedback is associated with adolescents’ body esteem and disordered eating (Lonergan et al. 2020; Nesi, Choukas-Bradley, et al. 2021). In perhaps the most extreme example of how appearance-related SM use can contribute to an objectified self-concept, qualitative studies from the U.S., Singapore, and Germany highlight a complex set of strategies adolescent girls use to manage their SM presence or “brand” – including “meticulous backstage planning” (Chua & Chang 2016, p. 193) and a “production process” (Zillich & Riesmeyer 2021, p. 7) in which they scrutinize beauty norms, engage in posing and selfie-taking rituals, and extensively edit photos before posting at high-traffic times and requesting peer feedback (Chua and Chang 2016; Yau and Reich 2019; Zillich and Riesmeyer 2021).

Other Individual Differences Based on Identity and Social-Cognitive Factors

The differential susceptibility to media effects model addressed media effects broadly, proposing that individual users differ in their susceptibility to media effects (Valkenburg and Peter 2013). The research reviewed in the prior sections highlights several social-cognitive tendencies on which individual adolescents differ – social comparison, internalization of beauty norms, and appearance-related SM consciousness – all of which reflect dispositional factors in social context, and which are developmentally salient during adolescence. Higher individual levels of each of these factors have been linked to increased body image concerns in the context of SM use. Other intrapersonal factors have also been documented as moderators of associations between appearance-focused SM use and body image concerns: investment in appearance, imaginary audience ideation, and appearance perfectionism have all been found to strengthen these associations (Etherson et al. 2022; Lonergan et al. 2020; McComb and Mills 2022; Nesi, Choukas-Bradley, et al. 2021; Zheng et al. 2019).

We have discussed gender throughout this paper as an important identity characteristic that affects SM experiences and body image outcomes. But what about the intersection of race and gender? A critically important area for future research concerns a more thorough and nuanced exploration of the role of race in SM effects on body image. The body image literature has vastly overrepresented White women and Eurocentric beauty standards, and the majority of studies discussed in this paper relied on primarily White female samples from the Global North. As I discuss in the recent “perfect storm” theoretical paper, little is known about how SM may affect the transmission and internalization of beauty standards among girls of color. Consistent with uses and gratifications theory (Rubin 1994) and the co-construction model of adolescents’ online behavior (Subrahmanyam and Šmahel 2011), girls of color may curate their feeds to center images of Black women and girls, leading to exposure to more culturally relevant imagery than is featured in mass media contexts. In our research team’s recent qualitative interview work (unpublished data), Black young women described both positive and negative implications of using appearance-related SM, including the increased representation of Black women, paired with cultural appropriation of Black women’s body features and beauty standards (Ladd et al. 2022).

Future Directions and Implications

Body image has traditionally been viewed as a niche area of psychological science, yet body image is central to adolescent wellbeing, and poor body image is associated with a broad range of mental health struggles. I offer the following recommendations for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers:

Capitalizing on recent public attention toward the role of SM in adolescent girls’ body image concerns, now is the time for policymakers to focus on pushing for regulation of SM content algorithms, and for tech companies’ transparency regarding tech design practices and research findings (Anon 2022; Holdheim 2022; U.S. Surgeon General 2021).

Greater investment is needed to support both basic science research, and prevention programming, related to SM influences on body image concerns. More research is especially needed that focuses on how sociodemographic identities affect specific uses of SM, as well as the implications for wellbeing—with special attention to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and their intersections.

Given the current state of the literature, I recommend that clinicians assess for how adolescents spend time on SM—not their overall screen-time. Recommending abstention from SM use is not only unrealistic, but it would likely be developmentally maladaptive for many adolescents as well. Many SM experiences promote positive expression and meaningful connections (Hamilton et al. 2022). Thoughtful discussions about how to increase values-aligned SM use, rather than encouraging overall reductions in use, may be more palatable to adolescents and more likely to contribute to behavior change.

Given recent evidence of the promise of single-session interventions for body image concerns (Schleider et al.,2023; Smith et al. 2023), investment in the development and dissemination of scalable, evidence-based interventions is important and likely to be fruitful. Moreover, evidence for the efficacy of brief classroom-based interventions further points to the benefits of scalable programs for SM use and body image (Bell et al. 2022; Gordon et al. 2021; Kurz et al. 2022).

Conclusions

This developmental-sociocultural perspective on SM and body image focused on specific, subjective experiences that differ across adolescents, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach (Ito et al. 2020). I provided an overview of the theoretical and empirical state of the literature on SM use and adolescent body image. Social media apps and trends tend to develop more quickly than research can keep apace, but the perfect storm framework provides a nuanced, humanistic blueprint for future inquiry into how SM affects body image.

Acknowledgements

I thank Savannah R. Roberts, Anne J. Maheux, Brianna A. Ladd, and Jacqueline Nesi, with whom I collaborated on prior book chapters and papers that helped shape my thinking for the current piece.

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This is huge that I have seen inside of my classroom! If one student starts a trend or does something it is almost immediate that other students are influenced by it.

This is heartbreaking. Now, with the advancement of AI, pictures can be manipulated even further. As an audience, it is hard to tell what is real anymore as an adult, let alone as an adolescent who is particularly susceptible to this deception.

I think this is such an important distinction. Social media experiences can be different for everyone, and one person’s trigger may be different than another’s.

The Definition of Body Image and Social Media Essay

Data collection methods to study body image and social media, body checking questionnaire (bcq), reference list.

The definition of body image and the perceptions driven by social media are topics that attract significant attention from scholars. According to Alebachew and Ashagrie (2017, p. 330), body image encompasses a multidimensional paradigm describing a person’s perception or depiction of their outward look. Thus, it revolves around mental images held by individuals regarding their physical appearance. Vannucci and Ohannessian (2018, p.786) point out that body image dissatisfaction (BID) is one of the hypothesized concepts that discuss the incongruity between the ideal and current physical appearance, mainly body size estimation (Ho, Lee and Liao, 2016). Saiphoo and Vahedi (2019, p. 260) assert that social media affects the behavioural, cognitive, affective, and evaluative components of an individual.

Therefore, social media is associated with body image due to its power to influence the psychological aspects of a person that translates to feelings of discontentment with physical appearance (Fardouly, Pinkus and Vartanian 2017, p. 31). Media and culture significantly influence an individuals’ perception of their physical appearance and overall body image. Jung and Jeong (2017, p. 268) allude that exposure to idealised images makes a person feel dissatisfied with their body. As a result, victims exhibit depression and low self-esteem. Thus, people exposed to idealised beauty through social and mainstream media develop or reinforce negative feelings.

Social media has positive impacts on individuals’ perception of their physical appearance based on comparison attributes. For instance, some people feel motivated when they compare themselves to others with better physical attributes (Cramer, Song and Drent 2016, p. 742). In this regard, Social Comparison Theory (SCT) posits that individuals liken their looks to assess their abilities (Robinson et al ., 2017, p. 69). It confirms that people who compare themselves constructively on social media maintain a positive outlook of their body image. Slater, Varsani, and Diedrichs (2017, p. 91) assert that females who read inspiration statements on social media have better physical satisfaction, high positive mood and appreciate their body compared to those who view unbiased images.

Conversely, social media adversely affects an individual’s view of their body appearance. Consequently, they engage in binge eating or food deprivation to attain ideal body size ( The link between social media and body image , 2019). Individuals also change how they look by participating in disordered eating behaviours due to social comparisons (Santarossa and Woodruff, 2017). Social media triggers low self-esteem in people dissatisfied with their body image. A study in the United Kingdom established by Kelly et al . (2018, p. 59) found that girls demonstrate low self-esteem (12.8%) and body-weight displeasure (78.2%) more often compared to 8.9% and 68.3% in boys, respectively. The outcomes underscore the adverse effect of social media on self-esteem due to negative body image perceptions.

Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ)

BIAQ is one of the leading tools used to collect data for evaluating the implication of social media on body image perception. BIAQ includes self-reported questions that focus on behavioural avoidance of situations or practices that influence body image-related distress or displeasure. According to Legenbauer et al . (2020 p. 3), the form contains 19 components spread across four subcategories, which include clothing, social activities, restraint, and grooming/weighing. However, a German version of the questionnaire encompasses three elements; it contains clothing, eating restraint, and social activity, founded on 11 sublevels. The survey consists of a 6-pointscoring scale that establishes the occurrence of targeted behaviour; it starts with never (0) and ends with always (5) (Sandoz et al ., 2020). BIAQ measures behavioural evasion across several purviews that reflect body image discernments.

Therefore, the scale is useful in helping clinicians understand body image concerns demonstrated by patients. Internal consistency validates BIAQ’s significance as a tool for assessing the implication of social media on physical appearance perception. Legenbauer et al . (2020, p. 3) confirm that the questionnaire has good internal consistency marked by a Cronbach’s α=0.64-0.76. Besides, it shows stable test-retest reliability between α=0.64 and α=0.81. Another evaluation by Stapleton, McIntyre and Bannatyne (2016, p.103) found that BIAQ has a dependable internal validity between α=0.64 and α=0.8 based on psychometrical measurements. The tool also provides appropriate, discriminate data across age and gender and between clinical and non-clinical groups.

Body Image Assessment Scale-Body Dimensions (BIAS-BD)

BIAS-BD is an assessment tool examined in 2009 by Gardner et al . that helps collect data to examine how body size affects females’ perception of their physical appearance. The survey utilizes a pictographic scale of profile figures intended to characterise different body proportions ranging between 60% and 140% of a representative Body Mass Index (BMI) of females. Wagner, Aguirre and Sumner (2016) explain that the U.S. Air Force created BIAS-BD through the Material Command Unit with the help of the Generator of Body Data (GEBOD) program. Accordingly, the developers used a sample of 4,325 respondents and ran a regression analysis to produce outlines within intervals of five per cent for each size of a female body (Wagner, Aguirre and Sumner, 2016). Thus, it contains 17 shapes representing diverse BMIs while upholding body dimensions. BIAS-BD is useful in predicting BMI as a positive correlation component associated with people’s sense of dissatisfaction with physical appearance (Sharif, 2017, p. 718). A review by Wagner, Aguirre and Sumner (2016) shows that BIAS-BD produces significant results when assessing the influence of social media on body image elements, such as actual size and dissatisfaction. For instance, the bivariate correlation study conducted by Lewallen (2016, p. 109) indicates that Instagram induces a moderately positive relationship between real BMI and dissatisfaction. Both components had a mean of 21.59 and 13.76 and standard deviation of 3.17 and 11.74, respectively, at r = 0.44 and p < 0.001 (Wagner, Aguirre and Sumner, 2016). Although there is no sufficient evidence to ascertain the validity of BIAS-BD, the statistics exemplify its significance in collecting data to investigate the correlation between social media and body image.

BCQ is a self-administered survey used to collect data for assessing the ways people react to their bodies when exposed to elements, such as social media, which influence their perception. The survey contains 23 items ranked using a Likert scale ranging from one to five (Maïano et al ., 2019). The rating helps to determine how usually a particular behaviour occurs when exposed to triggering factors. Reas (2017) expounds that BCQ considers the total score of individual components between 23 and 115. Besides, it includes a single measurement factor (Body checking), which is compared to interrelated sub-factors. In addition, an Idiosyncratic Checking Scale (ICS) with five elements is integrated into BCQ to examine unusual control behaviour. Legenbauer et al . (2020, p. 3) confirm that BCQ has a reliable internal consistency with Cronbach’s α=0.83-0.92. A German version of BCQ shows similar validity levels marked by Cronbach’s alpha between 0.83 and 0.95. The robust stability makes BCQ a useful tool for collecting data to study the implication of social media on body image perception.

Alebachew, F. and Ashagrie, M. (2017) ‘The body-image concept analysis of youth and adolescent’, American Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences , 5(6), pp. 130-134.

Cramer, E.M., Song, H. and Drent, A.M. (2016) ‘Social comparison on Facebook: motivation, affective consequences, self-esteem, and Facebook fatigue’, Computers in Human Behavior , 64, pp. 736-746.

Fardouly, J., Pinkus, R.T. and Vartanian, L.R. (2017) ‘The impact of appearance comparisons made through social media, traditional media, and in person in women’s everyday lives’, Body Image , 20, pp. 31-39.

Ho, S. S., Lee, E. W., & Liao, Y. (2016) ‘Social network sites, friends, and celebrities: the roles of social comparison and celebrity involvement in adolescents’ body image dissatisfaction’, Social Media+ Society , 2(3).

Jung, M.R. and Jeong, E. (2017) ‘Convergence factors influencing body image in adolescents’, Journal of Digital Convergence , 15(8), pp. 267-275.

Kelly, Y. et al . (2018) ‘Social media use and adolescent mental health: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study’, EClinical Medicine , 6, pp. 59-68.

Legenbauer, T. et al. (2020) ‘The body image approach test (BIAT): a potential measure of the behavioral components of body image disturbance in anorexia and bulimia nervosa?’ Frontiers in Psychology , 11, p. 30.

Lewallen, J. (2016) ‘When image isn’t everything: the effects of Instagram frames on social comparison’, The Journal of Social Media in Society , 5(2), pp.108-133.

Maïano, C. et al . (2019) ‘Psychometric properties of the body checking questionnaire (BCQ) and of the body checking cognitions scale (BCCS): a bifactor-exploratory structural equation modeling approach’, Assessment.

Reas D.L. (2017) ‘Body checking questionnaire (BCQ)’, in Wade, T. (ed), Encyclopedia of feeding and eating disorders . Singapore: Springer. pp. 65-69

Robinson, L. et al . (2017) ‘Idealised media images: the effect of fitspiration imagery on body satisfaction and exercise behaviour’, Body Image , 22, pp. 65-71.

Saiphoo, A.N. and Vahedi, Z. (2019) ‘A meta-analytic review of the relationship between social media use and body image disturbance’, Computers in Human Behavior , 101, pp. 259-275.

Sandoz, E.K. et al . (2020) ‘Relative associations of body image avoidance constructs with eating disorder pathology in a large college student sample’, Body Image , 34, pp. 242-248.

Santarossa, S. and Woodruff, S.J. (2017) ‘# SocialMedia: exploring the relationship of social networking sites on body image, self-esteem, and eating disorders’, Social Media+ Society , 3(2).

Sharif, P.S. (2017) ‘Development and psychometric evaluation of the breast size satisfaction scale’, International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 30 ( 8), pp. 717-727. Web.

Slater, A., Varsani, N. and Diedrichs, P.C. (2017) ‘# fitspo or# loveyourself? the impact of fitspiration and self-compassion Instagram images on women’s body image, self-compassion, and mood’, Body Image , 22, pp. 87-96.

Stapleton, P., McIntyre, T. and Bannatyne, A. (2016) ‘Body image avoidance, body dissatisfaction, and eating pathology: is there a difference between male gym users and non–gym users?’ American Journal of Men’s Health , 10(2), pp. 100-109.

The link between social media and body image (2019) Web.

Vannucci, A. and Ohannessian, C.M. (2018) ‘Body image dissatisfaction and anxiety trajectories during adolescence’, Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology , 47(5), pp. 785-795.

Wagner, C., Aguirre, E. and Sumner, E. M. (2016) ‘The relationship between Instagram selfies and body image in young adult women,’ First Monday , 21(9). Web.

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Social Media Essay: Guide to Structuring an A+ Paper

• Icon Calendar 22 September 2024
• Icon Page 4236 words
• Icon Clock 19 min read

Social media essays resemble other academic papers and focus on a wide range of topics in various subjects. Basically, a unique trait is that such papers focus on social media, which shows their primary focus. In this case, a compelling essay should contain specific sections, like an introduction, body, and conclusion. Firstly, the Introduction entails a hook, summary of main ideas, and a strong thesis statement. Then, the body section must have several paragraphs that relate to a thesis statement. Besides, writers should split a thesis into several justifiable points to form body paragraphs. In turn, a conclusion should bring a paper to a logical closure. Hence, students need to learn how to write such compositions to meet their basic requirements and get a good response from an audience.

General Guidelines

Social media is a useful tool that continues to gain popularity today due to its features. In this case, the most famous networking platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, among others, allow users to be connected with each other, and their distance does not matter. Besides, young individuals are dominant users of such technology. Basically, these defining features make online media an exciting area of study for writing different types of essays . In this case, many scholars write essays and research papers that focus on negative and positive issues related to the continued application of this mode of communication. Moreover, such papers focus on all matters about social media and its influence on all human characteristics. Hence, because online-based communication platforms are a popular means of communication, scholars write essays and research papers concerning their relationships with human lives. 

What Is a Social Media Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a social media essay is a written analysis that explores the effects and significance of digital spaces in various contexts. Its main purpose for writing is to examine various facets of online platforms, their impact on society, and how they influence communication, relationships, culture, business, and even politics (Specht, 2019). In this case, typical themes include possible psychological impacts of Internet use, critical issues of privacy and data security, today’s coverage of information and misinformation, actual roles of virtual communities and networks in social movements and activism, and others. On the other hand, writers analyze and reflect on these aspects critically, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how web platforms shape various spheres of life (Cogni, 2019). By doing so, they promote critical thinking, inform readers about the impacts, benefits, or drawbacks of this technology, and encourage thoughtful discourse on its implications for individuals and society at large. In terms of pages and words, the length of a social media essay can vary significantly depending on academic levels and specific assignment requirements, and general guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 0.5-3 pages
• Word Count: 100-750 words

College (Undergraduate)

• Length: 3-5 pages
• Word Count: 750-1,250 words

University (Advanced Undergraduate)

• Length: 5-8 pages
• Word Count: 1,250-2,000 words
• Length: 8-20 pages
• Word Count: 2,000-5,000 words
• Length: 20-40 pages (or more, depending on the depth of research required)
• Word Count: 5,000-10,000 words (or more)

Definitions of Key Terms

Examples of topics.

Selecting a suitable topic is the first and most important step toward writing a good social media essay. Basically, it can be an overwhelming task for college students to develop new themes for their essays and research papers (Redman & Maples, 2017). In turn, free examples of social issues essay topics in various disciplines are:

• Cultural shifts in privacy perception post-social media .
• Influence of social media on modern society .
• Impacts of social media on society: Progress or peril?
• The rise of TikTok: A socio-cultural analysis .
• How does digital space influence society?
• What are the influences of online environments on social relations?
• Is web networking a problem or a solution?
• Understanding the impact of social media on teenage self-image .
• How does digital communication influence the mental well-being of teenagers?
• Describe effective ways in which people use to overcome Internet addiction.
• Do online environments inspire cyberbullying?
• Body image perceptions and web networking influence.
• Digital space and online anxiety in interpersonal relationships.
• Describe some ways in which social media impacts education.
• What role does online networking play in improving grades?
• In what ways has digital technology changed education?
• The use of educational apps for personalized learning.
• Teacher-student interaction in virtual learning environments.
• Gamification and its effects on learning outcomes.
• Impacts of social media on companies and businesses.
• How do Internet channels transform the world of business?
• Has digital networking opened a new way of doing business?
• Customer engagement strategies using digital platforms.
• Online customer service and its impact on brand loyalty.
• The influence of online marketplaces on small business growth.
• Influences of social media on teen mental health .
• Effects of online channels on healthy aging.
• Does web interaction enable people to lead healthy lives?
• Negative impacts of digital networks on mental health.
• Online health communities and patient support.
• Digital health interventions for preventive care.
• Virtual reality and its potential impact on social media .
• Impacts of social media and internet algorithms on user experience .
• The emergence of Clubhouse: Audio-based social networking .
• Roles of digital environments in promoting technological innovativenes.
• Is web networking used for mass surveillance?
• How does online communication reflect modern technological advancement?
• Augmented reality’s impact on user experience in digital platforms.

Identifying Central Themes

Students can learn if they need to write social media essays and research papers quickly. In most cases, the topics have the words “social media” (Redman & Maples, 2017). Basically, this feature distinguishes these essays from other essay topics. Moreover, such papers follow a unique essay structure that enables students to express their thoughts effectively (Cogni, 2019). Besides, one can identify different types of essays based on the kind of argument presented on a topic. In turn, to start a social media essay, writers begin with a compelling hook, provide relevant background information, and clearly state their thesis sentences. Hence, basic guidelines on how one may identify various types of social media essays are:

Argumentative Formats

An argumentative social media essay should have a strong argument. Basically, this essay’s topic should prompt a person to pick one side of a discussion and provide the necessary support (Specht, 2019). Besides, argumentative prompts require one to use facts and analysis from credible sources. In turn, one may identify these argumentative essay topics quickly since they encourage writers to give an opinion.

Persuasive Ideas

A persuasive social media essay focuses on urging readers to accept a particular belief or idea. For example, corresponding persuasive topics require students to use logical concepts to support the main argument (Redman & Maples, 2017). Besides, such themes focus on promoting critical thinking skills when dealing with a specific idea. In turn, one may identify such persuasive essay topics easily because such themes contain keywords, like “effects,” “impacts,” “causes,” and “pros and cons,” among others.

Satirical Concepts

A satirical writing style requires learners to use sarcasm when criticizing a subject. In this case, satirical social media essay topics compel writers to use irony and hyperbole elements to communicate their points (Cogni, 2019). On the other hand, students may identify such issues easily since such assignments require them to use creativity with a good sense of humor. In most cases, such topics relate to “addiction” or “isolation.”

Social Media Essay Format

Note: A general format presented in a table above works not only for organizing an essay but also for writing a social media research paper. In this case, optional sections are necessary for organizing research papers, while other parts are needed for writing a typical essay on social media. Moreover, some sections can be combined in a single paragraph or added and deleted depending on a writer’s scope of research. Finally, to write a social media essay, writers start by introducing an engaging topic and thesis, then develop body paragraphs with evidence and analysis, address counterarguments, and conclude by summarizing key points and reiterating a main idea of a composition.

All essays require a proper structure, just like other academic papers. For example, a typical structure of a social media essay includes an introduction part with a corresponding thesis statement, several body paragraphs presenting evidence and analysis, a section addressing counterarguments, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates a central claim (Redman & Maples, 2017). As such, the first step in writing a successful media paper is to develop a correct essay outline, which shows all the necessary sections. In turn, students may use the following structure:

Introduction

Outstanding social media essays should have a good college essay introduction that captures the reader’s attention with an impressive hook. For example, to structure a social media essay, writers begin with an introduction and thesis statement, follow with body paragraphs presenting evidence and analysis, write a counterargument section with an opposing position, and conclude with a summary and restatement of a thesis (Specht, 2019). Moreover, an engaging hook sentence makes people interested in reading an entire essay. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a social media essay include:

• As modern media continues to be integrated into every aspect of human daily life, the implications include … .
• In examining the transformative power of digital platforms, it becomes evident that … .
• The popularity of online platforms has not only shaped a way of communication but also … .
• In the middle of the current digital revolution, media channels stand out as a bridge for … .
• Web use and privacy rights raise complex questions about … .
• With today’s growth and popularity of online influencers, the dynamics of … .
• A better understanding of the web’s impact on mental health reveals … .
• The role of networking channels in contemporary political discourse underlines the need to … .
• As digital technologies reshape the landscape of information dissemination, its influence on … .
• Exploring the ethical aspects of Internet networking use highlights the tension between … .

Keywords and Summary

Writing a good introduction for a social media essay includes keywords and an overview of the main ideas. In particular, people should include keywords that relate to a topic in question (Boot et al., 2021). Moreover, opening paragraphs should consist of catchy words, while they allow readers to have a clear picture of an intended message. In turn, a clear summary of the main ideas allows the targeted audience to develop a clear understanding of a topic. Besides, such brief details reveal writing an essay’s scope.

Outstanding social media essays should have a clear thesis statement that reveals the main message. Basically, a good thesis statement should show the writer’s unique thoughts and perception of a topic (Redman & Maples, 2017). Besides, one should create a debatable thesis statement that seeks to prove something about a subject in question.

The body of social media essays provides ideas required to support a central claim. In this case, writers have a mandate to provide adequate evidence to support a thesis statement (Specht, 2019). Basically, the essay’s body should contain different sections related to a thesis statement. Hence, writers must follow a specific structure of body paragraphs.

Topic Sentence

Each body paragraph must begin with a topic sentence that relates to a thesis statement. In practice, a body paragraph in any essay must focus on writing one idea. To make a social media essay stand out, writers offer unique insights, support their arguments with strong evidence, and present a well-balanced analysis of different perspectives (Capriotti & Zeler, 2023). Moreover, a topic sentence should relate to a single idea connected to a central argument. In turn, this strategy enables one to communicate intended ideas to the audience clearly. 

Students must provide the necessary evidence to support an idea presented in a topic sentence. As a rule, one should use real-life examples or evidence from reliable sources to support a topic sentence. Basically, this approach makes a media essay appear compelling and relevant to issues that affect readers (Schulz et al., 2022). Moreover, writers can use media posts as references in their essays, but they must ensure they are from credible sources and appropriately cited. In turn, one should provide correct citations for evidence by using appropriate referencing formats, such as APA 7, MLA 9, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian, among others.

Explanation

Writers must provide a clear and relevant description of evidence cited from academic sources to avoid plagiarism and write effectively. Moreover, readers need to understand corresponding connections between an example given, a topic sentence, and a thesis statement. In this case, one should provide one or two sentences that explain how the evidence supports an idea presented in a paragraph (Cogni, 2019). Besides, a prudent writer uses transitional words in a paragraph to enhance the flow of ideas and separate sentences for a friendly reading. In turn, readers should have a seamless flow of concepts as they go through a text.

Concluding and Transitioning Sentences

Each body paragraph must end with a concluding and transitioning statement. For instance, all the body paragraphs should have a unique relationship between key ideas presented in these sections (Redman & Maples, 2017). On the other hand, readers should not experience unnecessary disruptions and obstructions as they move from one paragraph to another. In this case, the last sentence of each body paragraph must provide a clear summary of the main ideas presented in a section. Besides, this sentence should be linked to a topic sentence of the next paragraph. Hence, students must ensure all body paragraphs are connected with each other to keep the audience glued until the end of an essay.

The Number of Body Paragraphs

The ideas presented in a thesis statement determine the number of body paragraphs that one should use when writing a social media essay. As a rule, one should focus on communicating the main message effectively (Boot et al., 2021). Moreover, one must evaluate a thesis statement and split it into different ideas to convey the central idea effectively. For persuasive essay topics, one must use several paragraphs that show facts effectively. To ensure their social media essay is unbiased and objective, writers rely on credible sources, present multiple perspectives, and avoid letting personal opinions dominate an entire analysis. Hence, a good essay should have several sections that enhance a logical representation of ideas.

A social media essay must have a concluding paragraph that brings a paper to a logical closure. Basically, students not only focus on being creative when writing the conclusion part but also reiterate the main points discussed in a body section with a thesis statement by using different wording (Specht, 2019). Unfortunately, some writers make mistakes in introducing new information and evidence in the conclusion section. Besides, such flaws undermine the essay’s quality and lower the ability to communicate the intended message. As a rule, one should restate a thesis statement and summarize the ideas presented in all topic sentences. Besides, the closing paragraph should include any appropriate call to action. Hence, the conclusion should bring an entire essay to a logical closure that reveals the ideas presented.

Example of a Written Social Media Essay

Topic: Is Social Media a Problem or a Solution?

Introduction Sample

Social media is a primary cause of the major problems today. Basically, the emergence of this technology has enabled people to maintain close interaction with friends from all over the world. Besides, such applications make digital channels a suitable solution to societal issues and interests. However, it results in many social ills. Although some people argue that digital technologies solve societal problems, their continued wide use leads to long-lasting hatred problems.

Examples of Body Paragraphs

Argument: Hatred

Social media leads to hatred among teenagers. For instance, most teenagers rely on digital devices to establish relationships with their peers. In this case, they tend to spread hatred in their social circles. Moreover, web bullying and victimization are the primary causes of teenage suicide. In turn, hatred caused by this online technology can lead to terminal consequences. Hence, online communication can be a significant cause of hatred among teenagers despite having some benefits.

Counterargument: Benefits

On the other hand, social media communication provides a unique way of establishing unique solutions. For instance, teenagers create friends through online platforms. In turn, this strategy allows them to share ideas and issues that affect their lives. Eventually, they manage to address many challenges that affect their lives. Hence, web-based spaces support the establishment of unique societal solutions.

Weaknesses of a Counterargument: Proper Use

The counterclaim is weaker than the main argument since it ignores that only a small number of people use social media constructively. For example, new web users may face bullying and other mistreatments that lead to anger and resentment. Besides, addiction to its usage leads to psychological problems like stress.

Conclusion Sample

In summary, some people argue that social media solves societal problems. However, such arguments tend to disregard the impact of the continued widespread application of internet-based communication methods, which causes long-lasting problems of hatred. Unfortunately, the significance of such disgust may include suicide among teenagers.

Another Writing Sample

Topic: Describe Two Undesirable Effects of Social Media

Example of an Introduction

Online-based communication methods form an indispensable fragment of human life. Basically, many individuals rely on social media for communicating and maintaining close contact with friends and family members. Despite the presence of such benefits, the wide use of web platforms leads to adverse effects. Because online networking is a popular mode of communication, it continues to cause negative impacts, like cyberbullying and suicidal thoughts.

Body Sample

Effect 1: Cyberbullying

The wide use of social media platforms leads to cyberbullying among teenagers. For example, the majority of teenagers who use online platforms have experienced cyberbullying in the form of name-calling and rumor-spreading. Basically, these abusive online behaviors lead to damaging resentments and unmatched hatred among teenagers. In turn, this problem leads to chronic stress among victims. Hence, such platforms expose youths to cyberbullying, including suicidal thoughts.

Effect 2: Suicidal Thoughts

Social media use has a direct contribution to a suicidal way of thinking. For example, many scientists show in their study reports how the Internet and other networking platforms influence suicidal thoughts. In this case, damaging resentments from cyberbullying and intimidation in online environments motivate youths to think about suicide as a way to get out of problems they face. Moreover, online interactions expose teenagers to enter cults and groups that consider suicide as an easier way of escaping social challenges. Hence, interactions through digital spaces are a source of motivation for teenagers to develop suicidal thoughts.

Example of a Conclusion

In summary, social media is a popular mode of communication today. In particular, the development of online platforms as a suitable tool of interaction exposes teenagers to adverse effects like cyberbullying. Moreover, many youths develop anger and resentment that may lead to suicidal thoughts. Thus, scientists need to develop new methods of how to overcome such outcomes of media use.

Common Mistakes

• Lack of a Clear Thesis: Failing to present a concise thesis statement and outline the main argument or focus of an entire essay.
• Overgeneralization: Making broad, sweeping statements without backing them up with specific examples or evidence.
• Ignoring Counterarguments: Not addressing opposing viewpoints or potential criticisms of a central argument.
• Inadequate Research: Relying on outdated or unreliable sources or not using enough credible articles to support key points.
• Excessive Jargon: Using too much technical language, terms, or jargon without proper explanation, making a written composition difficult to understand.
• Neglecting Structure: Poor organization of ideas, leading to a lack of coherence and clarity in a particular paper.
• Ignoring Ethical Considerations: Overlooking important ethical issues related to digital channels, such as privacy and data security.
• Lack of Analysis: Simply describing web trends without analyzing their implications or significance.
• Personal Bias: Writing personal opinions in an entire content without providing objective analysis or evidence.
• Grammatical and Typographical Errors: Failing to proofread and edit a final essay, resulting in distracting errors that undermine its credibility.

Digital platforms are popular methods of communication in the twenty-first century. In this case, many students write essays and research papers on connections between the use of online-based communication methods and human lives. Moreover, social media essays are unique academic papers that focus on a wide range of topics. Hence, easy steps that learners should consider when writing social media essays are:

• Start with an introduction that hooks readers.
• Develop body paragraphs that contain real-life examples or evidence from credible sources, like studies, reports, books, scholarly articles, and news articles with relevant explanations.
• Finish writing an entire essay with a summative conclusion.

Boot, A. B., Dijkstra, K., & Zwaan, R. A. (2021). The processing and evaluation of news content on social media is influenced by peer-user commentary. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications , 8 (1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-021-00889-5

Capriotti, P., & Zeler, I. (2023). Analysing effective social media communication in higher education institutions. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications , 10 (1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02187-8

Cogni, M. (2019). From sentences to essays: A guide to reflective writing through reflective thinking . Vernon Press.

Redman, P., & Maples, W. (2017). Good essay writing: A social sciences guide . SAGE Publications Ltd.

Schulz, A., Fletcher, R., & Nielsen, R. K. (2022). The role of news media knowledge for how people use social media for news in five countries. New Media & Society , 26 (7), 4056–4077. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448221108957

Specht, D. (2019). The media and communications study skills: Student guide . University of Westminster Press.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Sociology of Media and Communication — Social Media

Argumentative Essays About Social Media

Social media argumentative essay topics.

This is a comprehensive resource to help you find the perfect social media essay topic. Whether you're navigating the complexities of digital communication, exploring the impact of social media on society, or examining its effects on personal identity, the right topic can transform your essay into a captivating and insightful exploration. Remember, selecting a topic that resonates with your personal interests and academic goals not only makes the writing process more enjoyable but also enriches your learning experience. Let's dive into a world of creativity and critical thinking!

Below, you'll find a curated list of essay topics organized by type. Each section includes diverse topics that touch on technology, society, personal growth, and academic interests, along with introduction and conclusion paragraph examples to get you started.

Argumentative Essays

• The Influence of Social Media on Teen Self-Esteem

Introduction Example: "In the digital age, social media platforms have become central to our daily interactions and self-perception, particularly among teenagers. This essay explores the impact of social media on teen self-esteem, arguing that while it offers a space for expression and connection, it also presents significant challenges to self-image. "

Conclusion Example: "Having delved into the complex relationship between social media and teen self-esteem, it is clear that the digital landscape holds profound effects on individual self-perception. This essay reaffirms the thesis that social media can both uplift and undermine teen self-esteem, calling for a balanced approach to digital engagement."

• The Role of Social Media in Political Mobilization

Introduction Example: "As political landscapes evolve, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for political mobilization and engagement. This essay investigates the role of social media in shaping political movements, positing that it significantly enhances communication and organizational capabilities, yet raises questions about information authenticity. "

Conclusion Example: "Through examining the dual facets of social media in political mobilization, the essay concludes that while social media is a pivotal tool for engagement, it necessitates critical scrutiny of information to ensure a well-informed public discourse."

Compare and Contrast Essays

• Instagram vs. Twitter: Platforms for Brand Promotion

Introduction Example: "In the competitive realm of digital marketing, Instagram and Twitter stand out as leading platforms for brand promotion. This essay compares and contrasts their effectiveness, revealing that each platform caters to unique marketing strengths due to its specific user engagement and content dissemination strategies. "

Conclusion Example: "The comparative analysis of Instagram and Twitter highlights distinct advantages for brands, with Instagram excelling in visual storytelling and Twitter in real-time engagement, underscoring the importance of strategic platform selection in digital marketing."

Descriptive Essays

• Describing the Social Media Landscape of Today

Introduction Example: "Today's social media landscape is a vibrant tapestry of platforms, each contributing to the digital era's social fabric. This essay describes the characteristics and cultural significance of current social media trends, illustrating that they reflect and shape our societal values and interactions. "

Conclusion Example: "In portraying the dynamic and diverse nature of today's social media landscape, this essay underscores its role in molding contemporary cultural and social paradigms, inviting readers to reflect on their digital footprints."

Persuasive Essays

• Encouraging Positive Social Media Habits

Introduction Example: "In an era where digital presence is ubiquitous, fostering positive social media habits is essential for mental and emotional well-being. This essay advocates for mindful social media use, arguing that intentional engagement can enhance our life experiences rather than detract from them. "

Conclusion Example: "This essay has championed the cause for positive social media habits, reinforcing the thesis that through mindful engagement, individuals can navigate the digital world in a way that promotes personal growth and well-being."

Narrative Essays

• My Journey with Social Media: A Personal Reflection

Introduction Example: "Embarking on a personal journey with social media has been both enlightening and challenging. This narrative essay delves into my experiences, highlighting how social media has influenced my perception of self and community. "

Conclusion Example: "Reflecting on my social media journey, this essay concludes that while it has significantly shaped my interactions and self-view, it has also offered invaluable lessons on connectivity and self-awareness, affirming the nuanced role of digital platforms in our lives."

As you explore these topics, remember to approach your essay with an open mind and creative spirit. The purpose of academic writing is not just to inform but to engage and provoke thought. Use this opportunity to delve deep into your topic, analyze different perspectives, and articulate your own insights.

Each essay type offers unique learning outcomes. Argumentative essays enhance your analytical thinking and ability to construct well-founded arguments. Compare and contrast essays develop your skills in identifying similarities and differences. Descriptive essays improve your ability to paint vivid pictures through words, while persuasive essays refine your ability to influence and convince. Finally, narrative essays offer a platform for personal expression and storytelling. Embrace these opportunities to grow academically and personally.

Some Easy Argumentative Essay Topics on Social Media

• The Impact of Social Media: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Is Social Media Enhancing or Eroding Our Real-Life Social Skills?
• Should There Be Stricter Regulations on Social Media Content to Protect Youth?
• Social Media's Role in Relationships: Communication Enhancer or Barrier
• Does Social Media Contribute to Political Polarization?
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions of Divorce
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Benefit or Harm?
• Can Social Media Be Considered a Reliable Source of News and Information?
• Is Social Media Responsible for the Rise in Cyberbullying?
• Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Does Social Media Promote Narcissism and Self-Centered Behaviors?
• The Role of Social Media in Business Marketing: Is It Indispensable?

Hooks Examples for Argumentative Essay about Social Media

• "In an era where a single tweet can ignite a movement or ruin a reputation, social media's influence on our lives is undeniable. But is this digital revolution more beneficial or harmful to society?"
• "As social media platforms increasingly shape public opinion and behavior, the debate intensifies: Do they promote free expression or fuel misinformation and division?"
• "Social media has transformed how we communicate, but at what cost? Exploring the impacts on mental health, privacy, and societal norms reveals a complex web of benefits and drawbacks."
• "With billions of users worldwide, social media holds unprecedented power. Should we celebrate its role in connecting people or scrutinize its potential to manipulate and mislead?"
• "From viral challenges to political campaigns, social media is a double-edged sword. Is it a force for positive change or a threat to our privacy and well-being?"

Social Media is Beneficial to The Mankind

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Discussion on Whether is Social Media Beneficial Or Harmful for Society

Negative effects of social media: relationships and communication, social media pros and cons, social media - good and bad sides, a study of the role of social media concerning confidentiality of personal data, how social media causes stereotyping, social media addiction: consequences and strategies for recovery, the role of social media in making us more narcissistic, the effect social media is having on today's society and political atmosphere, digital/social media, censorship in social media, why teenagers are addicted to social media and how it affects them, advantages and disadvantages of social media for society, enormous impact of mass media on children, the role of social media in the current business world, social media is the reason for many of the world’s problems and solutions, impact of social media on society, how social media can effect on your career, the impact of social media on productivity, social media vs print media.

Social media is a digital platform that allows users to create, share, and exchange information and ideas.

Social media's origins trace back to May 24, 1844, with the telegraph's electronic dots and dashes. Modern narratives often cite the 1969 creation of ARPANET as the internet's beginning. In 1987, the National Science Foundation's NSFNET, a robust nationwide digital network, was established. A significant milestone in social media history occurred in 1997 with the launch of Six Degrees, the first genuine social media platform.

• Social Networking Sites: Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace.
• Microblogging Platforms: Twitter.
• Media Sharing Networks: Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.
• Discussion Forums and Community-Based Platforms: Reddit and Quora.
• Blogging Platforms: WordPress and Blogger.
• Social Bookmarking and Content Curation Platforms: Pinterest and Flipboard.
• Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat.

Facebook (2004), Reddit (2005), Twitter (2006), Instagram (2010), Pinterest (2010), Snapchat (2011), TikTok (2016)

• Increased Connectivity
• Information Sharing and Awareness
• Networking and Professional Opportunities
• Creativity and Self-Expression
• Supportive Communities and Causes
• Privacy Concerns
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
• Information Overload and Misinformation
• Time and Productivity Drain
• Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues

The topic of social media is important because it has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and consume information. It has a significant impact on businesses, politics, relationships, and society as a whole. Understanding the implications and effects of social media is crucial in today's digital age.

• Social media users spend an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes per day on social networking platforms. This amounts to over 7 years of an individual's lifetime spent on social media, highlighting its significant presence in our daily lives.
• Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users, with more than 500 million of them using the platform on a daily basis.
• YouTube is the second largest search engine behind Google.
• Social media has become a major news source, with 48% of people getting their news from social media platforms. This shift in news consumption highlights the role of social media in shaping public opinion and disseminating information in real-time.
• The average internet user has 7.6 social media accounts.

1. Schober, M. F., Pasek, J., Guggenheim, L., Lampe, C., & Conrad, F. G. (2016). Social media analyses for social measurement. Public opinion quarterly, 80(1), 180-211. (https://academic.oup.com/poq/article-abstract/80/1/180/2593846) 2. Appel, G., Grewal, L., Hadi, R., & Stephen, A. T. (2020). The future of social media in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing science, 48(1), 79-95. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11747-019-00695-1?error=cookies_not_support) 3. Aichner, T., Grünfelder, M., Maurer, O., & Jegeni, D. (2021). Twenty-five years of social media: a review of social media applications and definitions from 1994 to 2019. Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking, 24(4), 215-222. (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/cyber.2020.0134) 4. Ruths, D., & Pfeffer, J. (2014). Social media for large studies of behavior. Science, 346(6213), 1063-1064. (https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.346.6213.1063) 5. Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its impact, mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of psychosocial research on cyberspace, 13(1). (https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/11562) 6. Auxier, B., & Anderson, M. (2021). Social media use in 2021. Pew Research Center, 1, 1-4. (https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/04/PI_2021.04.07_Social-Media-Use_FINAL.pdf) 7. Al-Samarraie, H., Bello, K. A., Alzahrani, A. I., Smith, A. P., & Emele, C. (2021). Young users' social media addiction: causes, consequences and preventions. Information Technology & People, 35(7), 2314-2343. (https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ITP-11-2020-0753/full/html) 8. Bhargava, V. R., & Velasquez, M. (2021). Ethics of the attention economy: The problem of social media addiction. Business Ethics Quarterly, 31(3), 321-359. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/business-ethics-quarterly/article/ethics-of-the-attention-economy-the-problem-of-social-mediaaddiction/1CC67609A12E9A912BB8A291FDFFE799)

Relevant topics

• Media Analysis
• Effects of Social Media
• Discourse Community
• Personal Identity
• Social Justice
• Cultural Appropriation
• Sociological Imagination

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Writing a Social Media Essay: Tips and Examples

In an era where a single tweet can spark a global conversation and an Instagram post can redefine trends, it's fascinating to note that the average person spends approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes per day on social media platforms. That's more than 900 hours a year devoted to scrolling, liking, and sharing in the vast digital landscape. As we find ourselves deeply intertwined in the fabric of online communities, the significance of understanding and articulating the dynamics of social media through the written word, particularly in an essay on social media, becomes increasingly apparent. So, why embark on the journey of crafting an essay on this ubiquitous aspect of modern life? Join us as we unravel the layers of social media's impact, explore its nuances, and discover the art of conveying these insights through the written form.

Short Description

In this article, we'll explore how to write an essay on social media and the purpose behind these narratives while also delving into a myriad of engaging topics. From the heartbeat of online connections to the rhythm of effective storytelling, we'll guide you organically through the process, sharing insights on structure, approach, and the creative essence that makes each essay unique. And if you're seeking assistance, pondering - ' I wish I could find someone to write my essay ,' we'll also furnish example essays to empower you to tackle such tasks independently.

Why Write a Social Media Essay

In a world buzzing with hashtags, filters, and the constant hum of notifications, the idea of sitting down to craft an essay about social media might seem as out of place as a cassette tape in a streaming era. Yet, there's something oddly therapeutic, almost rebellious, about pausing in the midst of 280-character wisdom to delve deeper into the why behind our digital existence.

So, what is social media essay, and what's the purpose of writing it? Well, it's more than just an exercise in intellectual curiosity. It's a personal journey, a reflective pause in the ceaseless scroll. While writing the essay, we gain the power to articulate the intangible, to breathe life into the pixels that dance across our screens. It's an opportunity to make sense of the chaos, to find meaning in the memes, and perhaps, in the process, to uncover a bit more about ourselves in this digital wilderness.

Let's face it - our online lives are a fast-paced carousel of memes, viral challenges, and carefully curated selfies. So, why bother wrestling with words and paragraphs in a world where brevity is king? The answer lies in the art of unraveling the digital tapestry that envelops us.

There's a magic in articulating the dance between the profound and the mundane that occurs within the confines of our screens. An essay becomes a lens, focusing our attention on the subtleties of social media dynamics – the inside jokes that become global phenomena, the ripple effect of a well-timed retweet, and the silent conversations unfolding in the comment sections.

6 Key Tips for Crafting a Social Media Essay

Now that we've set sail into the realm of essays on the digital landscape, it's only fair to equip ourselves with a few trusty tools for the journey. Think of these tips as your compass, helping you navigate the sometimes choppy, often unpredictable waters of crafting an essay on social media.

• Embrace Your Authentic Voice: Just like your favorite Instagram filter can't hide the real you, your essay should reflect your genuine thoughts and feelings. Don't be afraid to let your unique voice shine through – whether it's witty, contemplative, or a delightful blend of both.
• Dive into the Details: Social media isn't just about the grand gestures; it's the small, often unnoticed details that weave the most compelling narratives. Explore the minutiae of your online experiences – the peculiar hashtags, the quirky bios, and the unexpected connections that leave a lasting imprint.
• Craft Your Hashtag Haiku: Much like poetry, brevity can be your ally in social media essays. Think of hashtags as haikus – succinct, impactful, and capable of conveying a universe of meaning in just a few characters. Choose them wisely.
• Engage with the Comments Section: The comments section is the lively pub where digital conversations unfold. Dive in, clink glasses, and engage with the diverse perspectives swirling around. It's in these interactions that the real magic happens – where ideas collide, evolve, and sometimes, transform.
• Navigate the Memescape: Memes are the folklore of the digital age, carrying tales of humor, irony, and cultural resonance. Don't shy away from exploring the memescape in your essay. Unravel the layers, decipher the symbolism, and appreciate the humor that often holds up a mirror to society.
• Be Mindful of the Clickbait Pitfalls: While clickbait might be the flashy neon sign on the digital highway, it's essential to tread carefully. Ensure your essay isn't just a sensational headline but a thoughtful exploration that goes beyond the surface.

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Social Media Essay Structure

In the age of viral tweets and digital conversations, tackling the essay format is more than just stringing words together—it's about creating a roadmap. As we navigate this landscape of likes and retweets, understanding the structural foundations becomes key. So, let's cut through the noise and explore the practical aspects of how to write a social media essay that mirrors the rhythm of our online experiences.

Form an Outline

Now that we've acknowledged the importance of structure in your essay, the next step is to build a solid roadmap. Think of it like planning a road trip; you wouldn't hit the highway without a map or GPS, right? Similarly, creating an outline for your essay gives you a clear direction and ensures your thoughts flow smoothly.

So, whether you decide to buy an essay online or tackle it yourself, here's a simple way to go about it:

Introduction (Where You Start):

• Briefly introduce the topic.
• State your social media essay thesis or main idea.
• Example: 'Let's begin by introducing the impact of social media on modern communication, focusing on its role in shaping opinions and fostering connections.'

Body Paragraphs (The Journey):

• Each paragraph should cover a specific social media essay argument and point.
• Use examples or evidence to support your ideas.
• Example: 'The first aspect we'll explore is how social media amplifies voices. For instance, hashtags like #ClimateAction mobilize a global audience around environmental issues.'

Transitions (Smooth Turns):

• Guide your readers from one point to the next.
• Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
• Example: 'Having discussed the amplification of voices, let's now shift our focus to the influence of social media in spreading information.'

Counter Arguments (Addressing Detours):

• Acknowledge different perspectives.
• Counter Arguments with evidence or reasoning.
• Example: 'While social media can be a powerful tool for connectivity, critics argue that it also contributes to the spread of misinformation. Let's explore this counterargument and analyze its validity.'

Conclusion (The Destination):

• Summarize your main points.
• Restate your thesis and leave a lasting impression.
• Example: 'In conclusion, social media serves as both a bridge and a battleground of ideas. Understanding its nuances is crucial in navigating this digital landscape.'

Creating an outline for your essay not only streamlines the writing process but also ensures your readers embark on a clear and organized journey through your insights on social media. If you're exploring more options, you might even want to buy thesis for more convenience.

Make a Social Media Essay Introduction

Begin your introduction by presenting a concise overview of the key theme or topic you're addressing. Clearly state the main purpose or argument of your essay, giving readers a roadmap for what to expect. Integrate social media essay hooks like a relevant statistic, quote, or provocative question to capture attention.

For instance, if your essay is about the impact of social media on personal relationships, you might start by mentioning a statistic on the percentage of couples who met online.

Social Media Essay Body Paragraph

Structure each social media essay body paragraph around a specific aspect of your chosen topic. Start with a clear topic sentence that encapsulates the main idea of the paragraph. Provide concrete examples, data, or case studies to support your points and strengthen your argument. Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using effective transitions.

If your essay focuses on the positive effects of social media on business marketing, dedicate a paragraph to showcasing successful campaigns and how they leveraged different platforms.

Social Media Essay Conclusion

In your conclusion, succinctly recap the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Reinforce your thesis statement and emphasize its broader implications. Rather than introducing new information, use the conclusion to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Consider prompting further thought or suggesting practical applications of your findings.

For instance, if your essay examined the impact of social media on political discourse, conclude by encouraging readers to critically evaluate the information they encounter online and actively engage in constructive conversations.

Proofread and Revise

In the process of writing social media essay, proofreading and revising are indispensable steps that can significantly enhance the overall quality of your work. Begin by meticulously checking for grammatical errors, ensuring that your sentences are clear and concise. Pay attention to the flow of your ideas, confirming that each paragraph seamlessly transitions into the next.

During the proofreading phase, keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in tone or style. This is an opportunity to refine your language and ensure that it aligns with the intended voice of your essay. Look for repetitive phrases or unnecessary words that might detract from the clarity of your message.

As you revise, consider the effectiveness of your hook. Does it still resonate as strongly as you intended? Can it be tweaked to better captivate your audience? A compelling hook sets the tone for your entire essay, so invest time in perfecting this crucial element.

Furthermore, don't hesitate to seek feedback from peers or mentors. Another perspective can provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement. Fresh eyes often catch nuances that the writer might overlook. Alternatively, you might also explore the option to buy coursework for additional support.

Social Media Essay Topics

In the vast realm of social media, where every like and share contributes to the digital narrative, choosing the right essay topic becomes a crucial compass for exploration. Let's explore thought-provoking topics that not only capture attention but also invite insightful discussions on the intricacies of our interconnected world.

Impact on Society:

• The Role of Social Media in Redefining Friendship and Social Bonds
• How Has TikTok Influenced Global Pop Culture Trends?
• The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization
• Social Media and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
• The Evolution of Language on Social Media Platforms
• Examining the Influence of Social Media on Body Image
• Fake News and Its Proliferation on Social Media
• Social Media and the Rise of Influencer Marketing
• The Intersection of Social Media and Dating Apps
• Has Social Media Narrowed or Expanded Cultural Perspectives?
• The Role of Social Media in Fostering Global Communities
• The Influence of Social Media on Consumer Behavior
• Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on News Consumption
• The Rise of 'Cancel Culture' on Social Media Platforms
• Social Media and Its Role in Spreading Disinformation
• The Impact of Social Media on Language and Communication Skills
• Social Media and its Influence on Political Movements
• The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Sleep Patterns
• Social Media and the Accessibility of Educational Resources
• The Cultural Significance of Memes on Social Media

Individual and Identity:

• The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Personal Relationships and Intimacy
• Self-Expression and Authenticity on Social Networking Sites
• Social Media and Its Influence on Teenage Identity Formation
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Beauty Standards
• Navigating Online Dating and Relationships in the Social Media Age
• The Impact of Social Media on Parenting Styles
• Social Media and Its Influence on Body Positivity Movements
• The Perception of Success: Social Media's Role in Achievement Culture
• Social Media and the Construction of Online Persona vs. Real Self
• Social Media and Its Influence on Lifestyle Choices
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Career Aspirations
• The Intersection of Mental Health Narratives and Social Media
• The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Well-Being
• How Social Media Influences Gender Identity and Expression
• Exploring the Concept of Digital Detox in the Social Media Era
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Cultural Identity
• The Connection Between Social Media and Impulse Buying
• Social Media and Its Influence on Dietary Choices
• Balancing Privacy and Self-Disclosure on Social Media
• The Impact of Social Media on Friendships Over Time

Digital Activism and Advocacy:

• The Effectiveness of Hashtag Movements in Promoting Social Change
• Social Media and Its Role in Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
• The Impact of Social Media on Global Environmental Activism
• Online Activism: The Evolution from Clicktivism to Concrete Action
• The Role of Social Media in Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights
• Social Media and Its Impact on Anti-Racism Movements
• Analyzing the Challenges of Digital Advocacy in Authoritarian Regimes
• Social Media and the Global Fight Against Cyberbullying
• The Intersection of Social Media and Mental Health Advocacy
• Examining the Role of Social Media in Humanitarian Campaigns
• Crowdsourcing for Change: How Social Media Fuels Fundraising
• The Challenges of Digital Activism in the Age of Information Overload
• Social Media and Its Impact on Disability Advocacy
• The Role of Social Media in Combating Gender-Based Violence
• Online Petitions and Their Influence on Policy Change
• Exploring the Intersection of Social Media and Animal Rights Activism
• The Impact of Social Media on Indigenous Rights Advocacy
• Digital Advocacy and Its Role in Healthcare Reform
• Social Media's Influence on Youth Activism
• Navigating Challenges in Allyship on Social Media Platforms

Privacy and Ethics:

• The Implications of Facial Recognition Technology on Social Media
• Social Media Platforms and the Ethics of User Data Collection
• The Role of Social Media in Combating Deepfakes
• Balancing Freedom of Speech and Moderation on Social Media
• Social Media and the Challenges of Regulating Disinformation
• Ethical Considerations in Targeted Advertising on Social Media
• The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on User Behavior
• Social Media and the Right to Privacy: Where to Draw the Line?
• The Influence of Social Media on Political Manipulation and Propaganda
• Data Security Concerns in the Era of Social Media
• The Ethics of Social Media Influencer Marketing
• Social Media and Its Role in Combating Cyberbullying
• The Impact of Social Media on Juror Bias in Legal Cases
• Exploring the Ethics of Incorporating Social Media Usage in Hiring Decisions by Employers
• Social Media and Its Role in Combating Hate Speech
• Balancing Personalization with Privacy in Social Media Websites
• The Influence of Social Media on Public Perceptions of Law Enforcement
• Social Media and the Challenges of Content Moderation
• Addressing Online Harassment: Ethical Considerations for Platforms
• The Responsibility of Social Media Platforms in Protecting User Privacy

Future Trends and Innovations:

• The Future of Social Media: Emerging Platforms and Trends
• The Role of Augmented Reality (AR) in Shaping the Future of Social Media
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Its Potential Impact on Social Media Engagement
• The Rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and Social Media
• Social Media and the Evolution of Live Streaming Culture
• The Impact of Voice Search and Voice Assistants on Social Media
• Social Commerce: The Future of E-Commerce Through Social Media
• Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Social Media
• The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Social Media Security
• Social Media and the Integration of Virtual Influencers
• The Future of Social Media Content: Short-Form vs. Long-Form
• The Influence of User-Generated Content on Future Social Media Trends
• Social Media and the Adoption of 5G Technology
• The Potential of Gamification in Shaping Social Media Engagement
• The Impact of Social Media on the Future of Work and Remote Collaboration
• Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health Apps
• The Influence of User Privacy Concerns on Future Social Media Developments
• Social Media and the Role of Ephemeral Content in Communication
• The Intersection of Social Media and Virtual Events
• Predicting the Next Wave of Social Media Influencer Trends

If these topics piqued your interest, you'll likely find persuasive essay topics equally fascinating! Dive into our article for a variety of options that might just spark your curiosity and inspire your next writing venture.

Social Media Essay Example

Crafting a standout essay isn't just about the words; it's about weaving a narrative that grabs your reader's attention. Before we say our goodbyes, why not take a peek at our sample essays? Our seasoned writers poured their expertise into creating persuasive pieces, offering you insights into both how to write an essay on social media and the kind of polished language that can elevate your own writing.

Wrapping Up

As our college essay service experts conclude this article, we've journeyed through the emotional complexities, societal reflections, and transformative potentials embedded in our digital narratives. An essay on social media is a portal into the intricate dance of our online lives, urging introspection, empathy, and an awareness of diverse stories. Let your essays authentically reflect, sparking conversations that enrich our collective experience in this ever-evolving digital realm.

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Social Media and Body Dysmorphia

Table of contents.

During the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, social media usage increased by 61% 2 . This is a massive spike in an already growing trend, highlighting the need to reflect on its mental health impacts.

It’s already acknowledged that there can be a link between social media and body image. With access to an infinite feed of content, the online realm can change your view on physical reality.

In some cases, social media can contribute to body dysmorphia. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 1 in 50 people struggle with body dysmorphia 1 . However, this number may be greater due to people’s reluctance to talk about their symptoms and receive a diagnosis.

Understanding Positive and Negative Body Image

Your body image is the way you view your physical self in your reflection, in photos, and in your mind 3 . Body image is a culmination of beliefs and feelings about the way you look. Generalizations, experiences, environment, and culture are a few influences that shape it.

It’s an important self-reflection because it affects how you engage with life. This is one of the four aspects of body image known as behavioral body image 4 . For example, if you believe that something is wrong with you, you are likely to have unhealthy behaviors that reflect that belief.

Positive Versus Negative Body Image

Having a positive body image involves a sense of acceptance about the way your body looks and functions 10 . You have a wide range of what you consider “beautiful,” and as such, you can find value in your physical appearance. When you have a positive body image, you view yourself in a relatively stable and positive way.

On social media, a person with a positive body image will engage with posts without it affecting the way they see themselves.

The other side of the spectrum is having a negative body image. This involves judgment, shame, and embarrassment about the way you look.

A person with a poor body image lacks confidence and acceptance of their body, often due to a distorted view of themselves. For example, a person may view their weight, shape, skin clarity and tone, or hair as not being good enough.

Developing a negative body image often comes from comparing yourself to others and to cultural beauty standards. Now that the world spends more time online, this comparison often happens when engaging with social media.

Seeing a feed full of seemingly perfect people can lead to viewing yourself as inadequate. For some, simply logging off or changing who they follow can remedy the issue. For others, it can contribute to something known as body dysmorphia.

Body Dysmorphia

Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a condition where an individual becomes obsessive about a perceived flaw in their appearance. The word perceived is important here, as the issue may be imagined or unnoticeable to others. A person experiencing body dysmorphia becomes self-conscious about their appearance and believes that other people are noticing and judging them 9 .

Body dysmorphia is not to be confused with gender dysmorphia. Gender dysmorphia refers to the distress someone feels when there is a conflict between the gender they were assigned at birth and their own gender identity. Gender dysmorphia involves gender identity , while body dysmorphia involves appearance and attractiveness.

When suffering from body dysmorphia, a person will consistently check on their appearance in the mirror or in photos. This obsessive thought pattern leads to compulsions, which are actions in response to obsessive thoughts.

Experiencing body dysmorphia is more than simply being insecure about a feature of your body. BDD is an obsessive-compulsive cycle that is repetitive and hard to resist making it very similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) . The main difference between the two disorders is that people with body dysmorphia focus on appearance as opposed to other issues.

Body Dysmorphia Diagnosis

Body dysmorphia is diagnosed by having an excessive focus on slight or nonexistent flaws, totaling at least one hour a day 7 . For example, a person may fixate on the shape of their nose or the fullness of their lips.

The repetitive compulsions that come from this obsession distinguish it from negative body image. These compulsions don’t bring the individual any joy and can be observable by others.

Body dysmorphia can look like other mental health issues at first, such as social anxiety disorder, eating disorders, and OCD. While other conditions can stem from it, body dysmorphia tends to be the core issue.

Between 5.5 and 9.6 million people in the United States suffer from body dysmorphia 5 . Because it’s a prevalent issue in American culture, it’s important to consider social media’s impact on this condition.

Social media isn’t the only cultural influence on body dysmorphia. For decades, there has been a lack of representation of normal-looking people in modeling, advertisement, and entertainment. Rather than including normal variations in the way people look, visual media mainly shows people who represent unrealistic beauty standards.

Unrealistic beauty standards didn’t start with social media but it has contributed to its continuation. People in this narrow category of beauty standards receive the most likes and attention which can reinforce the cultural illusion that people should look a certain way.

Consequently, the amount of time people spend on social media makes it a major influence on body image and dysmorphia. Social media provides endless content and has become a place where everyone is trying to achieve the “ideal” aesthetic for likes and followers.

To achieve this, people edit and use filters to portray an image of false perfection. Instagram, for example, has countless free filters to alter your appearance. You can also download apps like Photoshop and Lightroom to change your skin texture and body size.

It can be difficult to determine if a person has altered their appearance if you just see them on social media. All you’re seeing is a beautiful, 2-dimensional image of someone’s seemingly perfect aesthetic.

If you see that the way they look is getting them a lot of attention, you may begin to reflect and wonder if you should also change your appearance. This can create a gap between what someone actually looks like versus what they think they should look like.

With body dysmorphia, social media can trigger obsessive thoughts about appearance. Their feed may be full of people looking “perfect”, which can be a constant reminder of their perceived flaws.

This can lead to compulsive actions to try to remediate the issue. This isn’t to say that social media causes body dysmorphia, but rather that it can contribute to this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia

Someone with body dysmorphia will repetitively take action in response to their perceived flaw.

First, they may have thoughts of comparison or may check their reflection in the mirror to assess the perceived flaw. From there, they may perform a variety of behaviors to try to fix the “issue” that they see.

• Some signs and symptoms of BDD include but are not limited to: 6
• Excessive exercising
• Excessive grooming and/or makeup application
• Excessive tanning and/or skin pigmentation modification
• Excessive shopping for clothing and/or accessories
• Frequent outfit changes
• Skin picking
• Hiding or covering up areas of concern

These actions are repetitive and compulsive in an attempt to improve appearance. They can be conscious or subconscious behaviors.

There are also social indicators of body dysmorphia, such as constantly seeking reassurance from peers. Online, this could mean excessively striving for likes or comments on a post.

In some circumstances, a person may develop social anxiety or avoidance due to the fear of their appearance being judged. This could look like missing social gatherings or being absent from work.

When engaging with a post online, a person with body dysmorphia may begin comparing themselves to the “perfection” that they see. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, which in turn can lead to enacting one or more of these repetitive behaviors.

Compulsions, in and of themselves, take away from a person’s ability to function in a healthy and positive way. Additionally, this cycle can have other mental and physical health consequences.

Risks Associated with Body Dysmorphia

Body dysmorphia can involve or lead to various medical and mental health issues.

It can blend into social anxiety , impairing the individual’s ability to engage with others in social and professional settings.

To try to fix perceived weight issues, a person may develop an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or orthorexia.

Due to the anxiety and possible isolation involved with body dysmorphia, individuals may also fall into substance abuse, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

One study showed that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder were four times more likely to think about suicide 9 . They were also 2.6 times more likely to attempt suicide than people without the condition.

Body Dysmorphia Treatment

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 to get help. Otherwise, the first step in treating body dysmorphia is to seek professional diagnosis and support. From there, various therapy and psychiatric methods can be used based on the individual’s needs.

Therapy and Medication

One route of treatment involves talk therapy otherwise known as psychotherapy. A type of psychotherapy generally used to help people with BDD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses the way individuals think, feel, and behave. As such, it can help change the destructive thoughts patterns that lead to obsessions.

In addition to therapy, there are psychiatric medications used to treat body dysmorphia. For example, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help treat symptoms 8 .

Mental health struggles, although common, are personal. As such, the treatment of body dysmorphia should be tailored to an individual’s needs.

Supporting Others and Contributing to a Better Environment

If you aren’t experiencing body dysmorphia but are concerned for someone who is, you can take action in a few different ways.

First, you can educate yourself on the issue. That way, you can come from a place of compassion and understanding when speaking with them.

Then, you can support them by being there for them and offering resources for them to get help.

In general, you can also make a difference by being thoughtful about what you post online. While editing photos of yourself can be fun, keep in mind that others may not realize that you’ve altered the way you look. To contribute to a more body-positive digital environment, be authentic about the way you portray yourself.

Even if you don’t suffer from body dysmorphia, social media can have an impact on body image. Be selective about who you follow so that you don’t buy into the idea of aesthetic “perfection”.

Social media can be perceived in a positive light because it can allow you to connect with and learn from others. With that intention in mind, change your feed so that you have more positive experiences.

Build a Positive Body Image

Body dysmorphia is a common disorder that can be exacerbated by the use of social media. This disorder can begin to affect your daily life. With the help of therapy, medication, and support you can find recovery and develop a positive body image.

If you think you’re suffering from body dysmorphia, please contact D’Amore Mental Health to learn more about our program. Our mental health professionals are prepared to answer any questions you may have and help you find the right program for your needs.

• Cleveland Clinic. (2020, October 14). Body dysmorphic disorder: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder   
• Fullerton, N. (2021, April 29). Instagram vs. Reality: The Pandemic’s Impact on Social Media and Mental Health. Pennmedicine.org. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2021/april/instagram-vs-reality-the-pandemics-impact-on-social-media-and-mental-health#:~:text=The%20impact%20of%20increased%20screen,social%20media%20for%20more%20connectivity
• NEDA. (2018, February 22). Body image. National Eating Disorders Association. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image-0
• NEDC. (2021). Body Image. National Eating Disorders Collaboration. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/body-image/
• Philips, K. (2020). Prevalence of BDD. International OCD Foundation. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/prevalence/
• Philips, K. (2020). Signs &amp; Symptoms of BDD. International OCD Foundation. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/signs-symptoms/
• Philips, K. A. (2020). Diagnosing BDD. International OCD Foundation. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/diagnosis/
• Phillips, K. A., &amp; Hollander, E. (2008, March). Treating body dysmorphic disorder with medication: Evidence, misconceptions, and a suggested approach. Body image. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2705931/
• Singh, A. R., &amp; Veale, D. (2019, January). Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Indian journal of psychiatry. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6343413/
• White, Y. (2020, October 11). Body image: What is it, and how can I improve it? Medical News Today. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249190#negative-body-image

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Social Media and Body Image

This essay will discuss the impact of social media on body image. It will explore how social media platforms can influence perceptions of beauty and self-esteem, and the psychological effects this can have, particularly on young people. At PapersOwl too, you can discover numerous free essay illustrations related to Body Image.

How it works

Beauty is not in the eyes of the beholder. It has been altered, copied and pasted, and manipulated to look like everyone else. Societies’ view on beauty has been molded throughout the years to confine to narrow ideas of beauty. These beauty standards have been filled with negative images portrayed by the media. Today’s media has been manipulated with images with photoshop editing, fad diets and unrealistic expectations on standards of what a person should look like. Even though social expectations do not dictate what we change ourselves, the media negatively distorts body image.

Body image refers to people’s judgements of themselves and their own bodies. It is formed when people compare themselves to that of others. By establishing unattainable standards of beauty and bodily perfection, the media drives people to dissatisfaction of their body image. This dissatisfaction can result to drastic measures and even disorders of behavior, as people try to achieve these unreachable goals. With social media becoming a more popular source of entertainment, it will continue to create body image issues. Through the years, history has shown us how body image has changed because of society standards.

Before messages about body image were expanded to its current size and speed by electronic mass, messages about body image were carried by magazines, newspapers, books and print ads. Unrealistic standards of body image have not been a recent trend just brought on by the increase in technology. Body image has been altered over the past 300 years. This has been hugely in part to the accordance to what society deems attractive. In the 17th century, curvy voluptuous woman was considered to be the ideal beauty standard for women in the U.S and Europe. Peter Paul Rubens, a 17th century painter was famous for depicting plump, sensual women, coined Rubenesque (VanBuskirk). Throughout the 1900s woman were depicted with a thin waist, large bosom, and rounded shoulders, many times using corsets to physically shift the shape and size of their waist. From the 1920s onward, body image was continually altered and shaped, idealizing slimmer body types. For example, flappers on the 1920s had slender builds, women of the 1940s and 50’s felt pressure to conform to the airbrushed ideals of mass-produced pinup girls, and by the 60’s women adopted slender, almost emaciated looks like that of Twiggy. Eventually arriving into the 1990’s and 2000’s. During this time period the sensationalized heroin chic, associated with Kate Moss, this look exemplified a slender frame, and sunken cheeks which became the status of beauty to be obtained by other models. If models had become any skinnier, they wouldn’t have been able to walk the runway.

A cross sectional survey observing the trends within the area of body image satisfaction made it certain that females had reported relatively more satisfaction in the 1960’s that in 1990’s (Agliata). The comparison of body image and satisfaction has shown to be swayed by media influences. The ongoing alterations of woman’s bodies will only continue with the rise of social media. Therefore, history has shown that media imagery is influential in the way women perceive themselves. In today’s society, social media has become the main source of body image dissatisfaction. As technology has grown, so has the amount of exposure a person will experience throughout the day. According to the first-quarter 2018 Nielsen Total Audience report, nearly half an adults’ day is dedicated to consuming this content (Schmall). Today, people are exposed to more images to compare themselves to than ever before. This constant exposure affects viewers. With social media on the rise, unrealistic body images and picture-perfect lifestyles overload a screen at any given time. A cookie cutter image of the Kardashians has been at the forefront of today’s social standard. Large lips, curvy hips and a large buttock has been seen as the epitome of modern idealistic beauty. Women are going as far as to alter their looks by cosmetic surgery to obtain the look.

Generally, celebrities in the 80s and 90s received plastic surgery, but the significant cultural shift toward creating idealistic bodies has pushed plastic surgery business into the foreseeable future. Women feel increasingly pressured by the media about their bodies. Images that are shown on media platforms depict unrealistic bodies that reflect a society that has unobtainable expectations. However, body positive accounts have been made to counteract what is happening in society. Body stereotypes have long held a rein in dictating society’s view on beauty, but the body positive movement has gained steam over the past years. Plus size models and other varying types of body types are rebelling against societies’ push to conform society’s ideal body stereotype. The body positive movement refers to accepting the body that you have, regardless of age, shape, size and race. Multiple social media accounts have been produced to rejoice in the bodies that a person is currently in. Though the body positive movement is among us, it is not here to stay. Many plus size models are still outside the average American body, cat walking with flawless faces, long legs and flat stomachs. There is still a society label on plus size models who are narrowly labeled as being unattractive and are heavily criticized. The fact is, that body positive social media accounts are narrow in their inclusion of what is socially appropriate. Many times, body positive groups exclude another group.

There are also misconceptions that body positive groups are promoting being unhealthy by accepting those who are larger in size. Regardless of the trend, the truth remains that the body positive movement is advertised as a ‘love yourself movement’ when really it is nothing more than a way for companies to use it as a campaign. Society should have a positive view on body image but instead it is misleading in its movement, producing body dissatisfaction. The fact remains that body positive outlets do not deter from the rise of psychological disorders. The effect social media has on body image has caused a rise in disorders, such as self-esteem, depression and eating disorders. Overexposure to social media has skewed normal standards of health and beauty for woman throughout society. Richard Perloff, a Professor of communications at Cleveland State University says, “Many cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys have found that media exposure predicts body dissatisfaction, thin body ideals, and eating disorder symptomatology among preadolescent girls and young women” (Perloff). People compare themselves to these images while internalizing the feelings associated with not being good enough, they then absorb the message that they should associate themselves based on their appearance.

Some people are affected by reacting quickly and strongly to images while others are resistant to images and they do not affect that person. These reactions have to do with an individual’s traits such as self-esteem, how they feel about their appearance, and images that may become triggers. Some triggers may cause issues towards one’s body issue such as depression, low self-esteem and even eating disorders. However, overexposure doesn’t always mean someone will feel worse about their bodies. People that are affected are not equally affected by images portrayed by the media. There are suggestions that the effect of body image standards can be felt in several areas. It is natural to compare oneself to another, but when observations go beyond a healthy correlation and people tell themselves that their bodies are substandard, there may become instances of feeling depressed or suffer from low self-esteem, possibly even develop and eating disorder.

Other unhealthy habits may develop because of unrealistic standards, such as smoking, alcohol and drugs. Overexposure has accelerated the development of psychological disorders and with the continual use of social media, the next generation will follow suit. Media has attributed to many expectations of women’s body image. The ongoing evolution of body image has shown to alter throughout the years, and historically has shown the downsizing of the human body and what is deemed attractive. People associate their image as their self-worth, and this shouldn’t be the case. The way society has molded people with unrealistic standards should not create harm on a person who do not feel adequate enough. Images of unattainable standards should not be plastered on billboards and screens to be a representation of what a stereotypical person should look like. As trends show and beauty standard alter, correlations have been showing dissatisfaction whether it be depression, anxiety or an eating disorder. Social media’s popularity will continue to morph the standards of body image.    

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Just How Harmful Is Social Media? Our Experts Weigh-In.

A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal revealed that Facebook was aware of mental health risks linked to the use of its Instagram app but kept those findings secret. Internal research by the social media giant found that Instagram worsened body image issues for one in three teenage girls, and all teenage users of the app linked it to experiences of anxiety and depression. It isn’t the first evidence of social media’s harms. Watchdog groups have identified Facebook and Instagram as avenues for cyberbullying , and reports have linked TikTok to dangerous and antisocial behavior, including a recent spate of school vandalism .

As social media has proliferated worldwide—Facebook has 2.85 billion users—so too have concerns over how the platforms are affecting individual and collective wellbeing. Social media is criticized for being addictive by design and for its role in the spread of misinformation on critical issues from vaccine safety to election integrity, as well as the rise of right-wing extremism. Social media companies, and many users, defend the platforms as avenues for promoting creativity and community-building. And some research has pushed back against the idea that social media raises the risk for depression in teens . So just how healthy or unhealthy is social media?

Two experts from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Psychiatry share their insights into one crucial aspect of social media’s influence—its effect on the mental health of young people and adults. Deborah Glasofer , associate professor of psychology in psychiatry, conducts psychotherapy development research for adults with eating disorders and teaches about cognitive behavioral therapy. She is the co-author of the book Eating Disorders: What Everyone Needs to Know. Claude Mellins , Professor of medical psychology in the Departments of Psychiatry and Sociomedical Sciences, studies wellbeing among college and graduate students, among other topics, and serves as program director of CopeColumbia, a peer support program for Columbia faculty and staff whose mental health has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She co-led the SHIFT research study to reduce sexual violence among undergraduates. Both use social media.

What do we know about the mental health risks of social media use?

Mellins : Facebook and Instagram and other social media platforms are important sources of socialization and relationship-building for many young people. Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health. Girls and young people who identify as sexual and gender minorities can be especially vulnerable as targets. Young people’s brains are still developing, and as individuals, young people are developing their own identities. What they see on social media can define what is expected in ways that is not accurate and that can be destructive to identity development and self-image. Adolescence is a time of risk-taking, which is both a strength and a vulnerability. Social media can exacerbate risks, as we have seen played out in the news. 

Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health. – Claude Mellins

Glasofer : For those vulnerable to developing an eating disorder, social media may be especially unhelpful because it allows people to easily compare their appearance to their friends, to celebrities, even older images of themselves. Research tells us that how much someone engages with photo-related activities like posting and sharing photos on Facebook or Instagram is associated with less body acceptance and more obsessing about appearance. For adolescent girls in particular, the more time they spend on social media directly relates to how much they absorb the idea that being thin is ideal, are driven to try to become thin, and/or overly scrutinize their own bodies. Also, if someone is vulnerable to an eating disorder, they may be especially attracted to seeking out unhelpful information—which is all too easy to find on social media.

Are there any upsides to social media?

Mellins : For young people, social media provides a platform to help them figure out who they are. For very shy or introverted young people, it can be a way to meet others with similar interests. During the pandemic, social media made it possible for people to connect in ways when in-person socialization was not possible.  Social support and socializing are critical influences on coping and resilience. Friends we couldn’t see in person were available online and allowed us important points of connection. On the other hand, fewer opportunities for in-person interactions with friends and family meant less of a real-world check on some of the negative influences of social media.

Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. – Deborah Glasofer

Glasofer : Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. In fact, a good peer group online may be protective against negative in-person influences. For those with a history of eating disorders, there are body-positive and recovery groups on social media. Some people find these groups to be supportive; for others, it’s more beneficial to move on and pursue other interests.

Is there a healthy way to be on social media?

Mellins : If you feel social media is a negative experience, you might need a break. Disengaging with social media permanently is more difficult­—especially for young people. These platforms are powerful tools for connecting and staying up-to-date with friends and family. Social events, too. If you’re not on social media then you’re reliant on your friends to reach out to you personally, which doesn’t always happen. It’s complicated.

Glasofer : When you find yourself feeling badly about yourself in relation to what other people are posting about themselves, then social media is not doing you any favors. If there is anything on social media that is negatively affecting your actions or your choices­—for example, if you’re starting to eat restrictively or exercise excessively—then it’s time to reassess. Parents should check-in with their kids about their lives on social media. In general, I recommend limiting social media— creating boundaries that are reasonable and work for you—so you can be present with people in your life. I also recommend social media vacations. It’s good to take the time to notice the difference between the virtual world and the real world.