User:McEngl491/Mental disorders and gender

Effects of Social Media on Body Image
During early adolescence, one's perception of physical appearance becomes increasingly important, having a significant impact on one's self-worth. Studies have shown that social media use among adolescents is associated with poor body image. This is due to the fact that social media use increases body surveillance. This means that adolescents regularly compare themselves to the idealized bodies they see on social media causing them to develop self-deprecating attitudes. Both adolescent boys and girls are impacted by the objectifying nature of social media, however young girls are more likely to body surveil due to society's tendency to overvalue and objectify women. A study published in the Journal of Early Adolescence found that there is a significantly stronger correlation between self-objectified social media use, body surveillance, and body shame among young girls than young boys. The same studied emphasized that adolescence is an important psychological development period; therefore, opinions formed about oneself during this time can have a significant impact on self-confidence and self-worth.

Social Media Pressures and Criticism
Social media is highly prevalent and influential among the current generation of adolescents and young adults. Approximately 90% of young adults in the United States have and use a social media platform on a regular basis. Social media has a substantial influence on how young adults perceive their physicality due to its appearance focused nature. When individuals self-objectify by comparing themselves to others on social media, it can lead to increased body shame and body surveillance. In return, these behaviors can results in an increased risk for disordered eating. The effect of social media use on self-objectification is greater in female users. Women receive greater amounts of pressure and criticism surrounding their physical appearance, making them more likely to internalize the body ideals that are glorified on social media. Consequently, women face a higher risk of developing in body dissatisfaction or unhealthy eating behaviors.