Social Media's Negative Impact on Body Image and Self-Esteem
Comparing ourselves to people who seem better off than us on social media can result in several negative psychological outcomes, including harm to body image, self-esteem, and mental health, according to a meta-analysis of 48 studies conducted over 15 years. The study found that upward comparison had the largest effect on body image, followed by self-esteem, mental health, and subjective well-being. The negative effects were not dependent on the age and gender of participants, nor the method by which social comparison was induced. The study highlights the need to use social media in a healthy and productive way.