In today’s onlife world, social media has become an integral part of teen’s lives. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are popular not only for connecting with friends but also for sharing life’s moments. However, this constant engagement can bring about a significant issue that parents need to be aware of – social comparison, especially when it comes to body image challenges, something we spoke to in this article we wrote back in 2020 (1) and in our free web book for parents (2).
Teens spend a significant amount of their social media time browsing through their peer’s profiles and photos – according to a recent 2024 Stats Canada report, about 20 hours a week or more (3). This constant exposure to other’s digitally curated lives leads to an inevitable cycle of social comparison. But what exactly is social comparison, and how does it affect our teens?
Social comparison is the process of evaluating oneself in relation to others. On social media, this often involves comparing physical appearance, popularity, talents, and accomplishments. Teens might measure their perceived attractiveness, social success, and abilities against those of their peers. For instance, they may look at a friend’s athletic achievements or artistic talents and compare them to their own.
However, social comparison is not always bad, it can have a dual impact on teens:
Positive Motivation:
When done in a healthy manner, comparing themselves to others can inspire teens to set goals and improve in specific areas. For example, seeing a peer excel in sports might motivate a teen to practice harder and enhance their own skills.
Negative Impact:
On the flip side, social comparison can also lead to social ideals that can lead negative outcomes – something that psychologist Dr. Don Grant calls “compare and despair”. Teens may feel inadequate, anxious, or depressed if they perceive themselves as falling short in comparison to others. This can create intense pressure and affect their self-esteem and mental health especially when it comes to body composition or appearance which can then lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and eating disorders (4)
In a recent study (5), researchers found:
Among people aged 10 or older, over 45 million people in the US experience body dissatisfaction so severe and disabling that it affects their mental and physical health, education, and employment
It is a common belief that the negative impact of social comparison is mainly an issue with teen girls, however this 2023 Canadian study found it can also have a significant impact of teen boys as well, especially when it comes to muscle dysmorphia (6)
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do?
As parents and caregivers, there are several strategies you can employ to help your teens navigate the onlife world and manage the impact of negative social comparison that is supported in the research (7):
- Foster an open dialogue about the realities of social media. Encourage your teen to talk about how they feel when they see other’s posts. This can help them express their emotions and reduce the pressure of comparison.
- Remind your teen that social media often showcases a highlight reel rather than reality. People tend to share their best moments, and these images can often be edited or filtered. Understanding this can help teens develop a more critical view of what they see online.
- Promote activities that boost self-esteem and personal growth outside of social media. Whether it’s sports, arts, or hobbies, engaging in offline interests can help teens build confidence and reduce the emphasis on online validation.
- Be a role model in how you use social media. Demonstrate balanced and mindful usage and avoid excessive comparisons in your own online interactions.
- If your teen is struggling with the effects of social comparison, consider seeking the support of a counselor or therapist. Professional guidance can provide valuable tools for coping with anxiety and building self-esteem.
- We also wrote an article in April 2024 titled, “Flipping The Narrative – Strategies for Teen Girls to Thrive Amid Social Media Pressures Surrounding Body Image!” that provides unique strategies that came out of some research from Australia, to help manage social comparison surrounding Body Image that parents will find helpful as well (8)
As social media continues to be a dominant force in teen’s lives, it’s crucial for parents to actively engage in helping their teens navigate the challenges of social comparison. By fostering open dialogue, promoting a realistic view of social media, encouraging offline activities, modeling healthy behaviors, seeking professional support when necessary, and utilizing available resources, parents can mitigate the negative effects of social comparison. This proactive approach not only supports the mental and emotional well-being of teens but also empowers them to develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media. By understanding and addressing these dynamics, parents can guide their teens toward a more positive and fulfilling onlife experience.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/social-comparison-reflective-appraisal-body-image-media-youth/
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/social-comparison-and-body-image/
3/ https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/22-20-0001/222000012024001-eng.htm
4/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5985443/
7/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-017-0872-8
