Written by: Josselyn Rafael
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the mental health impact of teenagers' growing obsession with beauty, fueled by societal standards and the pervasive influence of social media. With the increasing pressure to conform to idealized images of beauty, teenagers often face unrealistic expectations that can lead to negative mental health outcomes, such as low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and depression.
The study examines the psychological effects of beauty obsession, identifying key contributors such as social comparison, beauty filters, and the constant pursuit of validation. By analyzing existing research and case studies, this paper aims to raise awareness of the harmful consequences of beauty standards and advocate for the promotion of body positivity and mental well-being among teenagers.
INTRODUCTION
In today's society, beauty standards dictate not only how people are perceived but also how they believe they should present themselves. These standards, often shaped by media and popular culture, impose unrealistic ideals of physical appearance, particularly for young females. With the rise of social media, the pressure to conform to these ideals has intensified, leaving teenagers feeling
inadequate if they do not meet the so-called "perfect" body type or facial features. This obsession with beauty can lead to detrimental effects on mental health, contributing to issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia (Medical News Today, 2023). As teenagers become more
susceptible to these societal pressures, it becomes critical to understand the psychological toll of beauty obsession and the impact it has on their well-being.
METHODS
The method used in this research is a case study, which according to Cherry (2024) is "A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event". In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Everything in this study is based on certain events happening.
RESULT
Society delves deeper into the role of social media in perpetuating rigid beauty standards and its connection to mental health challenges among teenagers. Social media platforms, with their constant stream of images portraying idealized beauty, have become a central influence in how teens define attractiveness and self-worth. The research reveals that the more teenagers are exposed to these
unrealistic beauty standards, the more likely they are to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and body image disorders. A significant psychological effect observed in this study is the development of body dissatisfaction, where teens begin to view their own appearance as inadequate compared to the edited, perfected images they frequently encounter online. This
dissatisfaction can lead to body dysmorphic tendencies, where teens fixate on minor or perceived imperfections, often feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to change their appearance. The intense focus on achieving the "perfect" look can also contribute to eating disorders and harmful behaviors, as teens strive to conform to a narrowly defined beauty ideal. The pressure to constantly look a certain way is further exacerbated by social comparison, a psychological phenomenon where teens measure their self-worth against others. On social media, this comparison is amplified as teens see influencers and celebrities with flawless appearances, often without realizing the extent to which these images are
edited or curated. This comparison not only lowers self-esteem but also leads to feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness, fueling cycles of anxiety and depression. The constant validation-seeking behavior, such as relying on "likes" and comments for reassurance, further deepens these mental health struggles, as teens equate their value with external approval.
“Social media platforms often feature images of people with seemingly perfect faces and bodies, often using filters and photo editing tools to enhance their appearance. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem in both women and men” (Psych Central, 2022). Social media's algorithms also play a role by frequently exposing teens to beauty-related content, intensifying the pressure to fit a certain image. Repeated exposure to content promoting beauty standards can create a feedback loop where teens constantly consume, compare, and feel dissatisfied with their appearance. The psychological toll of this loop is significant, leading to long-term impacts on self-esteem and overall mental well-being. On a more positive note, the research
highlights the importance of shifting towards healthier beauty narratives. When teenagers are exposed to body-positive movements, diverse body types, and authentic representations of beauty, the psychological impact is notably different. Teens who engaged with this content reported a boost in self-esteem and a reduced need to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals. These findings underscore the potential of promoting inclusive beauty standards that celebrate diversity and self-acceptance as a means of protecting teenagers’ mental health.
In summary, this study shows that social media can have a profound influence on teenagers' mental health by reinforcing beauty standards that are often unattainable. However, by fostering body positivity and encouraging more authentic representations of beauty, it is possible to alleviate some of the negative psychological effects and promote healthier self-perceptions among teens.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, The constant exposure to idealized, often edited, images on social media leads to body dissatisfaction, lower self-esteem, and the development of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic tendencies. Social comparison, fueled by these platforms, exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and contributes to cycles of negative self-perception. However, the research also highlights the potential for positive change. Promoting body-positive
movements, diverse beauty representations, and content that fosters self-acceptance can counteract the harmful effects of rigid beauty standards. By shifting the narrative toward inclusivity and realistic portrayals of beauty, it is possible to reduce the psychological toll on teens and support healthier self-perceptions and mental well-being. To protect teenagers from the negative influence of social media on body image, it is crucial to promote content that celebrates diversity and encourages self-love, ultimately empowering teens to resist the pressure to conform to unattainable beauty ideals.
References:
Medical News Today. (2023, February 7). Beauty standards and mental health: Impact, risks, and causes. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/beauty-standards-and-mental-health
Cherry, K. (2024, January 18). How to write a psychology case study. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-write-a-psychology-case-study-2795722
Psych Central. (2022, October 14). How the media affects body image.
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