16 What Effect Does Social Media Have on Teenagers’ and Young Adult’s Self-Esteem?

This essay was composed in November 2024 and uses MLA documentation.

How does social media shape the way teenagers see themselves? This question has become exponentially important as young adults spend more time online, measuring their worth against other influencer’s lives. In today’s world, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat take over life, and teens miss out on social experiences by being on their phones 24/7. Understanding social media and its effects on young adults’ self-esteem is more important than ever. Research shows negative results from social media: cyberbullying, body image concerns, and comparisons. However, the research also brings to light the positive impacts, such as creativity, community, and relationship building. Understanding negative and positive effects can help us better understand how social media is shifting young adults’ perceptions of themselves today.

Main Idea 1: Studies Done

Research on the relationship between social media use and self-esteem is more complex than commonly assumed. A study conducted at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) surveyed 150 students and found that 88% of participants engaged in social comparisons on Facebook, with 98% being upward, meaning they compared themselves to others they perceived as doing better. The study also revealed a significant decrease in self-esteem associated with Facebook use, with each additional hour spent on the platform resulting in a 5.574-point decrease in self-esteem scores. In another study by Alyssa N. Saiphoo, a social psychologist who focuses on social comparison theory, a meta-analysis of 84 studies found a negative correlation causing impact varying among individuals. Research showed that 88% of users experience minimal effects, while only small percentages experience positive (4%) or negative (8%) impacts.

Main Idea 2: Cyberbullying

Research on the psychological effects of social media almost directly leads to the concern of cyberbullying. In the literature review, Chen & Lee, researchers who conducted a study showing the link between excessive Facebook usage and reduced self-esteem, found that Facebook spreads rumors and the sharing of personal images. Both are common effects of cyberbullying on Facebook. Experiences with cyberbullying can be severe, with victims experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as Moreno & Kolb documented in their study of social platforms. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explained that the “Like” button created a new form of “social currency” by giving people instant validation. Haidt noted, “The ‘Like’ button produced data to show what content the users engaged in creates pressures that teens already face daily. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with their “perfect” life and visual validation, have only created more and more of these pressures, leading to body-image issues and an increase in both bullying and exploitation. Leaked internal Facebook research stated, “We make body issues worse for one in three girls,” showing that social media leads to the rise of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among teens(Glazer). Making the teen feel the need to be perfect. The rise in cyberbullying has become a major concern for both researchers and society. One tragic example is Carson Bride, a young person who died by suicide. After his passing, his parents discovered that he had been the target of cyberbullying on social media. “We discovered that Carson had received nearly 100 negative, harassing, sexually explicit, and humiliating messages, including 40 in just one day” (Kristin Bride). Carson’s experience and tragic death go to show how significant the damage of cyberbullying can be.

Main Idea 3: Effects on Body Image

Social media’s impact on body image is complex, with both negative and positive effects reported by teenagers. Many people are aware of the pressures of unrealistic beauty standards set by influencers. For instance, Katie from Great Neck, N.Y., shares, “With TikTok’s ‘that girl’ or ‘small waist’ trends, I wonder why I can’t have the same flat, toned stomach or the same tiny, hourglass waist despite all the exercising and healthy eating I do”(Katie). Katie’s sentiments reflect the comparison culture on social media. Sarah from Wheaton adds, “There are hundreds of influencers that are praised for having the perfect body when chances are, it’s completely edited,” showing the impact of edited images and the pressures to meet unattainable standards(Sarah). Social media platforms have had a documented impact on people’s body image, mainly among teens. According to the research in the “Social Media and Youth Well-Being” article, Meta conducted internal studies that revealed concerning trends: “Everyone feels like they have to be perfect,” one teen told researchers at Facebook(Glazer). “Meta reported that it was only among girls who were already dissatisfied with their bodies that one-third said Instagram made them feel worse. For most teens, the effects of “negative social comparison” were outweighed by their sense that Instagram is a fun way for users to express themselves and connect with friends, Meta researchers said”(Glazer). Benowitz-Fredericks says, “Greater exposure to overt messages regarding appearance predicts internalization of these social ideals”(Fredericks). Research has also found that young adults seeing ultra-thin models and muscular bodies can negatively impact how they view their bodies, both women and men (Morrison & Halton). For example, viewing those images led to “a negative correlation with self-esteem and body satisfaction” in young girls (Gallagher). The relationship between social media use and body image perceptions is complex, where the same platform that can create connection and self-expression may also contribute to negative self-image.

Main Idea 4: Effects on Comparisons

The issue of comparison is recurring. Many teenagers and young adults report feelings of insecurity when comparing themselves to others online. For instance, Alain from Valley Stream reflects on his experience with comparison, saying, “I do not have the most buff body type, justifying my common thought process…people commented on my lanky, lean stature, which led to insecure thoughts”(Alain). This example shows how social media creates a competitive environment where individuals feel pressured to uphold unrealistic ideals rather than being secure in themselves. Similarly, Jonathan from Great Neck expresses how seeing influencers promote specific body types leads him to feel inadequate: “Some ‘body positive’ influencers argue that showing their imperfections eliminates the damaging and unattainable standards for one’s body on social media and boosts the self-confidence of social media users. However, models and influencers continue to post perfected images of their bodies with no claims of Photoshop or plastic surgery, still enforcing this impossible beauty standard on social media…. I feel insecure after years of scrolling through social media and seeing the bodies of influencers and the praising comments that follow” (Jonathan). Jonathan’s experience shows how social media images can reinforce a comparison cycle that affects self-esteem. In “Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem,” research shows that “people engage in two types of comparisons on social networking sites, upward and downward comparison”(Muqaddas). The study shows that 98% of the comparisons are upward social comparisons, or when users compare themselves to people they see as having more value than them. “Upward comparisons make people feel inferior and have negative evaluations of themselves”(Morse & Gergen). According to Walther, “Most people use Facebook to know what is going on in other people’s lives to judge others on the basis of the cues found on the profiles of these people”(Walther, Heide, Kim, Westerman, & Tong). This pattern of comparison leads teens and young adults to feel “less privileged and ungrateful,” resulting in negative self-esteem (Muqaddas).

Main Idea 5: Positive Effects

While social media has many negative impacts, it can also have positive benefits, including a community and opportunities for self-expression. For some teenagers, social media is used as a resource to improve their overall well-being. For instance, James from Hoggard High School shared that gym influencers on TikTok inspire him: “I become more inspired than self-conscious.” Seeing their workouts motivates him to continue his fitness(James). Augustine, from Valley Stream North High School, posted this in response to Alain Deen, who also goes to Valley Stream North—stating that social media encourages him to “get stronger and more confident in myself,” showing the positive effects of seeing others’ fitness journeys online (Augustine). These examples demonstrate how social media can serve as motivation for self-improvement.

Additionally, social media brings together supportive communities. Ashton, a transgender student, notes, “Social media has given me a place of comfort, knowing that others struggle and relate like I do,” showing how it helps individuals facing challenges connect with others who share similar experiences (Ashton). According to Sarah Glazer’s CQ Researcher article, “While social media can sometimes promote unrealistic body ideals, it also provides teens with access to diverse perspectives and support from others who may be facing similar challenges” (Glazer). Similarly, research in Current Opinion in Psychology by Drew P. Cingel and colleagues suggests that “online communities can provide emotional support and help individuals feel validated and understood” (Cingel). These perspectives show the use of social media and how it can enhance well-being when used thoughtfully.

In contrast, teen activist Emma Lembke talks about the nature of online personas and how it can create unrealistic standards, leading to anxiety and feelings of lesser than among peers. Emma Lembke shares personal experiences about how blind she was to the possible harm until she hit a low point. “You experience these negative impacts on your mental health and I didn’t really understand what was happening”(Lembke). Social media needs to be understood better before lasting effects take hold.

In conclusion, the effect of social media on teenager’s and young adults’ self-esteem is complex, with both positive and negative outcomes. On the one hand, social media platforms often give negative upward social comparisons, body image issues, and cyberbullying. All of these effects of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Young adults have the pressure to meet influencers’ “perfect” lives and unrealistic beauty standards. On the other hand, social media also creates opportunities for self-expression, motivation, and connection. Using social media correctly can empower individuals and help them find love in their lives instead of wanting other people’s lives. In the end, the impact of social media on self-esteem depends on how young adults and teenagers engage with the platforms. Understanding and being able to scroll through social media can be the difference in dealing with low self-esteem.

Works Cited

Cingel, Drew P., et al. “Social Media and Self-Esteem.” Current Opinion in Psychology, vol. 45, no. 45, Feb. 2022, p. 101304, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101304.

Gallagher, Shannon M. The Influence of Social Media on Teens’ Self-Esteem, Rowan University, United States — New Jersey, 2017. ProQuest, https://login.dist.lib.usu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/influence-social-media-on-teens-self-esteem/docview/1925043904/se-2.

Glazer, Sarah. “Social Media and Youth Well-Being.” CQ Researcher, 29 Sep. 2023. Thousand Oaks, California: CQ Press, 2023. 16 Oct. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.4135/cqresrre20230929.

Jan, Muqaddas, et al. “Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem.” Social Science Research Network, 31 Aug. 2017, papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3030048#paper-citations-widget.

News, CBS. “Teen Activist on Social Media, Self-Esteem and Why It’s Important to ‘Log Off.’” YouTube, 6 May 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_cOkDc_sVA

The Learning Network. “What Students Are Saying about How Social Media Affects Their Body Image.” The New York Times, 31 Mar. 2022, www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-how-social-media-affects-their-body-image.html.