Body image and self-esteem issues involve dissatisfaction with appearance, leading to low confidence and disorders.
15% say social media hurts confidence, 19% helps, 46% neutral. 53% of 13-year-old girls unhappy with bodies, rising to 78% by 17. 35% of 13-19-year-olds worry often about body image. Reducing use improves body image. 48% see negative impact on peers. 31% of 12-17-year-olds have mental health concerns.
Causes: media ideals, peer comparison, tech differences in socialization. Platforms shake confidence with perfect images.
Impacts: eating disorders, isolation, anxiety.
Solutions: media literacy, positive affirmations, therapy.
Promoting diverse representations helps build esteem.