Many people scroll through TikTok or Instagram, they might see the “perfect” body they don’t have, the exotic vacation they probably don’t have the time and money for, and/or the perfect porcelain skin they desire. As they become exposed to that type of media, it all begins to merge into one never ending thought: Why does everyone seem perfect, and I don’t measure up?
Social media is often used to highlight and share the best part of an individual. Who would be open to share their struggles to thousands of strangers on the internet? Not many people feel comfortable sharing a picture of themselves where they think they look bad. It’s not unusual for someone to edit their features too, like making your nose slimmer, bust bigger or waist smaller etc. But has it ever crossed your mind how that may affect your self esteem when you’re exposed to people who seem flawless every single hour of their lives.
Many can agree that people are addicted to social media. Users may stumble across a post where the individual seems to be absolutely flawless. The individual may have thicker hair, poreless skin, a stable mentality, money for clothing and vacations. What people always forget about social media is most of it is fake. You don’t get the full frame, which is why it’s important for online creators to disclose editing, filters, and to show their authenticity. Social media can be a constant reminder to some users what their “flaws” are.
A survey from The National Library of Medicine found that there’s a correlation between poor self-esteem and high usage of social media. Which included dissatisfaction of one’s body and eating disorder symptoms.
As technology advances, it is easier for people to edit or filter their pictures and look “perfect” all the time. “Social media has hurt my confidence by constantly showing me unrealistic beauty standards and ideals. I used to be happy with myself, but it [social media] made me feel like I’m not good enough,” said Nyjah Rosado, 2024 graduate .
More and more people are downloading social media apps like Tiktok and Instagram. Companies notice this so they push advertisements and sponsorships to these platforms.
It’s not uncommon to hear an influencer advertise a product. You may hear things like “Run, don’t walk..” or even the “influencer gasp”. Many teenagers and children want to be like these influencers. So, they buy what they advertise. “I will see an influencer, who I admire to be like, advertise a shirt or something and I will purchase it because I get that sense of envy. “Then it hits me that I do not have the same body type as the influencer and the clothing will just collect dust in my closet,” says Mayra Escobar, junior.
However, social media isn’t all bad. “I think being exposed to influencers or whatever on social media has made me want to express myself more. I think it has made me feel more at peace with myself,” says Daysia Aramburla, a junior. Social media can motivate you, share your achievements, and can help challenge yourself for the better according to Linkedin.
Social media has the ability to change your self esteem; like making you feel more comfortable with yourself/your identity. However, this doesn’t change the fact that social media can still lower your self esteem. It depends on how you use social media.
