Reducing Social Media Use Boosts Teens' Body Image, Study Finds
A new study has revealed that reducing social media use can significantly improve body image among teens and young adults. The research, involving 220 undergraduate students, found that those who cut their social media use by half for a few weeks experienced notable enhancements in their body image.
The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that participants spent an average of six to eight hours per day on screens, predominantly on social media. Exposure to unattainable beauty ideals on these platforms was linked to body dissatisfaction. However, reducing social media use was found to be a feasible method to improve body image in vulnerable populations, such as those with symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Experts recommend spending more time in real-life relationships to counteract the negative aspects of social media. Being kind and supportive to friends can also help improve self-image among young people. Researchers suggest becoming aware of which apps trigger negative self-talk and limiting their use to mitigate these effects. The study also highlighted that the impact of reduced social media use on self-image and body weight varies individually, with some adolescents experiencing positive changes while others do not show significant effects.
The study underscores the potential benefits of reducing social media use for improving body image in young people. However, more research is needed to confirm the long-term effects of this approach. Meanwhile, experts advise young people to be mindful of their social media use and consider allocating more time to real-life interactions and supportive relationships.
Read also:
- Trump's SNAP reductions and New York City Council's grocery delivery legislation: Problems for city residents highlighted
- Reducing dental expenses for elderlies in Sweden: Over 50% cut in charges for pensioners by the government
- Forty-year-old diet: A list of meal choices to savor
- Exiled Life's Conundrum: A Blend of Liberation, Disillusionment, and Distress
