In today’s world, dominated by smartphones and constant connectivity, it’s impossible to ignore the profound impact social apps have on our lives. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have transformed how we communicate and share information.
While they have brought undeniable benefits, these platforms have also raised significant concerns about their effects on mental health. It has become both a blessing and a curse, with its influence on everyone’s daily existence.
Social Media’s Toll on Chicago
Chicago, like many cities, has also been affected by these platforms. It has led to a culture where people compare themselves to others, making young individuals less confident. The constant flow of pictures with filters and carefully chosen profiles promotes beauty standards that make people feel worse about themselves.
Young Chicago residents, who see seemingly perfect images every day, often find it hard to appreciate their unique qualities. They end up feeling less good about themselves because of these unrealistic ideals.
The Dangerous Pursuit of Beauty
One of the most alarming consequences of this problem is the pursuit of unrealistic beauty standards, particularly affecting young women. Influencers and celebrities wield tremendous influence on these platforms, pressuring individuals to conform to these unattainable ideals.
In their quest to fit these standards, individuals may resort to harmful practices, including extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and, in some tragic cases, self-harm.
The Pressure to Appear Older
In the digital age, peer pressure has taken on a new dimension. Young Chicagoans feel compelled to present themselves as older than they are to fit into the media’s beauty standards.
This pressure can sometimes result in harassment or unwanted attention from older individuals.
Beauty Standards as Propaganda
Recognizing beauty standards as a form of propaganda is crucial. They perpetuate unrealistic ideals to perpetuate industries that profit from people’s insecurities. In Chicago, where the advertising industry heavily influences beauty standards, residents must remain vigilant and critical of messages that promote a specific look to sell products.
“Social media platforms are flooded with meticulously curated profiles, showcasing seemingly perfect lives, flawless appearances, and ideal bodies,” said Acosta, a Clinical therapist.
Health Risk Cause by Social Media
These extreme beauty standards can have profound and lasting health consequences:
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) can lead to repetitive behaviors such as excessive mirror-checking and grooming.
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or consistent eating, can arise from the pressure to conform.
- Depression can develop from a constant feeling that everyone else is better than them.
- Anxiety disorders, may often result from the fear of not measuring up and even peer pressure.
- The erosion of self-esteem and self-worth can potentially lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts, fueled by the relentless pressure to conform.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can center around appearance, with individuals fixated on their looks.
- Substance abuse can become a coping mechanism for emotional distress stemming from pursuing these beauty standards.
Need to Address
These issues underscore the urgent need to address the impact of unrealistic beauty standards caused by false advertisements. While these platforms have improved communication, they have also introduced challenges to the mental well-being, especially for Chicago’s youth.
A few ways to prevent the harm caused by it are to cut it out of daily time completely or to look at pages that showcase body positivity. Another way to end it would be to practice self-love. These platforms should make anyone feel less than -it was created to bring people together.
By Khalyse Hemingway
Sources:
llu.edu: the impact of social media on youth self-image
fau.edu: social media and how it affects our self-image
theconversation.com: how social media can crush your self-esteem
aecf.org: social media concerning the effect on teens mental health
mayoclinic.org: teens and social media use: what’s the impact
harvard.edu: how social media toxic content sends teens into a dangerous spiral
hhs.gov: social media and youth mental health
childmind.org: does social media cause depression
nih.gov: Relationship between Social Media Use and Social Anxiety in College Students
grouporttherapy.com: Deciphering Social Media Behavior in Borderline Personality Disorder
Inset image courtesy of Chloe Capture Flicker page – Public domain License
Featured image courtesy of Edgar Languren Flicker page – Public domain License
