Society’s Influence on Young Girls: The Rise of Negative Body Image
Harshitha Chaganti
August 2024
Body image issues among teens have become increasingly common in modern society, largely due to media influence and societal expectations regarding physical appearance. Peer pressure, family dynamics, and cultural norms also play a significant role in shaping teens’ perceptions of their bodies. Society often places value on physical appearance, leading teens to feel that their worth is tied to how they look rather than who they are as individuals.
In the UK, the prevalence of appearance-based bullying among 11 to 16-year-olds is alarmingly high, with over half of young people reporting having experienced it. Of these, 40% endure such bullying at least once a week. A significant 54% of young people state that the bullying began by the age of ten. Additionally, those who are overweight or obese are disproportionately targeted, making them more likely to suffer from appearance-based bullying.[3] This highlights the urgent need for interventions to address this issue and create inclusive environments.
One contributing factor to this rise in appearance-based bullying is the pervasive influence of social media. With the increasing use of social platforms among young people, the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards has intensified, leading to a negative impact on body image and self-esteem.
Dr. Gary Goldfield’s study on social media’s effects on body image shows that participants who limited their social media use had better perception of their overall appearance compared to those who had unrestricted access. However, there was no significant difference in how they perceived their weight after three weeks.[2] Dr. Goldfield’s study adds insight into how excessive screen time, especially on social media platforms, can overwhelm users with images that promote unattainable beauty ideals. As a consequence, this can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Thus, limiting social media use potentially stops some of these negative effects.
The impact of social media is not just theoretical; it’s reflected in the lived experiences of young people. Many teens, like Laura, find themselves caught in a cycle of comparison and self-criticism as they navigate the world online.“I would follow all the celebrities my friends did and it started to make me look at them differently. I would look at where they were and what they were wearing and compare it to my life. I started to feel inadequate about the way I dressed and looked.”[4] Laura’s statement highlights how social media shapes teenagers’ self-perception. By comparing themselves to celebrities, teens often feel inadequate about their appearance. This shows the pressure they face to meet unrealistic standards and emphasizes the need to promote self-acceptance.
In addition to the influence of social media, the impact of peer groups on body image and eating behaviors cannot be overlooked. The pressure to conform to the expectations and norms within a peer group can be just as powerful, if not more, in shaping a young person’s self-esteem and behaviors.
Doctor Harris, a medical professional who touched on the topic of peer pressure which is also a form of environmental influence states in a review of the development literature, “Peer groups are one of the main factors that influence the development of disordered eating patterns. Pressure to fit in and meet the group norms is one of the most potent ways that peers can modify personality characteristics.”[1]Dr. Harris’ expertise shows how peer groups strongly influence the development of disordered eating patterns. Pressure to conform to the group norms regarding appearance can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors as individuals strive to fit in. This emphasizes the need to address peer influence in preventing and treating disordered eating.
To foster healthy self-perception, society must value individuals for their inner qualities rather than superficial attributes, promoting inclusivity and diversity. By celebrating diverse body types, cultures, and identities, we can create an environment where people feel accepted for who they are. Educating young people about unrealistic media portrayals and encouraging critical thinking can further support a positive self-image.
References
[1] Alsayed, J. A. (2023, December 15). The Effect of Sociocultural Attitudes on Developing Eating Disorders Among Young Females in Almadinah Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia. NCBI. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10789473/#REF4
[2] Body image in childhood. (n.d.). Mental Health Foundation. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary/body-image-childhood
[3] Reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens, young adults. (2023, February 23). American Psychological Association. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/02/social-media-body-image
[4] Suryajaya, L. (2022, March 31). What Students Are Saying About How Social Media Affects Their Body Image (Published 2022). The New York Times. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-how-social-media-affects-their-body-image.html
