CAVEAT – big shoutout to Jocelyn Brewer who is a registered psychologist and cyberpsychology researcher in Australia who brought to our attention the “Disrupt Your Feed Project” that spawned this article!
In today’s ubiquitous world of technology, teenagers are navigating a complex onlife world where social media platforms often play a significant role in shaping their self-perception. Recent research suggests that a smaller cohort of teen girls may be particularly susceptible to body image challenges, which can lead to serious medical issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. However, it should also be noted that this can also effect teen boys as well.(1) As parents, caregivers, and educators it’s crucial to understand these challenges and provide support for our kiddos as they navigate the onlife world.
Dr. Amy Orben and other researchers have been delving into this phenomenon, seeking to understand who comprises this vulnerable cohort and why they are more prone to these challenges compared to their peers.(2) While the research is ongoing, there are two key factors that we believe contribute to this vulnerability:
- Social media platforms often present curated and idealized versions of people’s lives, leading to constant comparison. Teen girls may feel pressure to live up to unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by influencers, celebrities, and the beauty industry which can negatively impact their self-esteem.(3)
- The prevalence of filters and photo-editing tools can distort reality, making it difficult for teenagers to differentiate between authentic images and digitally altered ones. This can contribute to feelings of inadequacy as they strive to achieve an unattainable standard of beauty that is often dictated by the beauty industry.
There is absolutely no doubt that social media vendors need to do more to help neutralize the algorithms that contribute to this type of body image toxicity. However, are there proactive steps that youth, especially female youth, can take to help minimize this specific risk? – the answer is YES!
An organization called the “Disrupt Your Feed Project” (4) has provided research that shows “teen girls could be agents of change in their own social media use,” thus “protecting the mental health of girls, providing them with a way of enjoying social media – turning it from potential toxicity into a force for good.” (5)
So, what can parents do to support their daughters in navigating these challenges?
- Create a safe and supportive environment where your daughter feels comfortable discussing her feelings and experiences online. Encourage open dialogue about the pressures she may be facing and offer non-judgmental guidance.
- Teach your daughter to critically evaluate the content she consumes online. Help her understand the difference between reality and fantasy and discuss the ways in which social media can distort perceptions of beauty and worth.
- Focus on building your daughter’s self-esteem from within rather than relying on external validation. Encourage her to pursue activities and hobbies that bring her joy and fulfillment, independent of social media approval.
- Establish clear guidelines around screen time and online activity. Encourage your daughter to take breaks from social media and engage in offline activities that promote mindfulness and self-care.
- Head Over To the “Disrupt Your Feed Project” – this is just an excellent resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and teen girls.
- If a social media platform allows you to reset it’s algorithm, do so once you notice your feed it starting to fill with toxic content (6)(7)
It’s time for action, and we can’t rely solely on social media companies to make the necessary changes. We need to take charge ourselves, and the Disrupt Your Feed Project has provided a blueprint to empower youth, especially teen girls, to protect themselves from algorithmic toxicity that can lead to body image challenges.
Ultimately, helping teenage girls navigate body image challenges in the digital age demands a blend of empathy, understanding, and proactive engagement. By prioritizing open communication, enhancing media literacy, and empowering girls to proactively take control of their social media experience, parents, caregivers, and educators can equip their daughters with the resilience and confidence required to flourish in today’s online environment.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
2/ https://www.amyorben.com/pdf/2022_OrbenEtAl_NC.pdf
3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/social-comparison-and-body-image/
4/ https://www.thefemalelead.com/disrupt-your-feed
5/ https://www.thefemalelead.com/_files/ugd/05606b_9b61ebf0d39e41b391982bf6a9f5c527.pdf
6/ https://blog.ainfluencer.com/how-to-reset-tiktok-algorithm/
7/ https://www.upgrow.com/blog/how-to-reset-instagram-algorithm
