How Do Social Networks Affect The Self-esteem Of Adolescents?
Today, all teenagers have accounts on different social networks, and they use them in the most normal way possible. It has become part of a new social process during adolescence, with those people who are not network users or who do not have parental permission to do so being considered strangers.
However, parallel to this phenomenon, studies have increased in relation to the way in which social networks can have an impact on mental health, especially in adolescents, an age group more vulnerable to them due to their developmental status. . Social networks can be triggering factors for self-perception problems, promoting constant comparison with other people and fixation on the likes or acceptance of others.
Throughout this article, We will explore the ways in which social media has a negative impact on the self-esteem of adolescents, at the same time looking for ways to use social networks to avoid this very negative impact and taking care of self-esteem in the digital world. This is constantly changing and evolving, and it is never too late to consider new ways to immerse yourself in it.
Although currently practically everyone knows social networks and is a user of them, we are going to propose a small definition to get into the matter. Social networks are digital platforms that allow interaction with other people, either by sharing content or following known people. In addition, it is also a way to follow celebrities or influencers and participate in virtual communities around topics of interest.
Social networks allow you to experience a sense of belonging and social validation, especially in the adolescent age. Teenagers can share their experiences, opinions and achievements, and receive likes and comments that reinforce their self-esteem. Currently, networks are becoming the first way in which we face the world. Generating an Internet personality is the way in which we develop our self-concept and learn ways to relate to other people, even if it is mainly digitally. Networks become a showcase to show yourself and discover the world around you, and this can entail dangers or difficulties for mental health, mainly for self-esteem.
What impact do social networks have on self-esteem?
Networks can have a very negative impact on self-esteem, this being the main objective of interest of this article. As previously mentioned, social networks encourage the generation of a self-image and a specific self-concept, always linked to digital experiences. These processes linked to networks can be associated with different difficulties, such as:
1. Constant comparison
These concepts about oneself arise mainly from the visualization of other profiles, whether well-known people or celebrities, promoting comparison and the assumption of the behaviors that may have the most social desirability linked to networks. Referring to seemingly perfect lives and photoshopped images, teens may experience feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem They may feel pressure to achieve certain standards of beauty, success and popularity that they see online, generating distorted perceptions of themselves.
2. Cyberbullying
Additionally, social media can expose adolescents to cyberbullying or experiencing persistent negative criticism. Due to the anonymity of the Internet, many people use it to harm other people whether out of envy or problems, people who move to the networks.
Also worrying is the constant presence of people’s daily lives on their social media profiles, constantly sharing highlights and exciting activities. This can lead to feelings of missing out (FOMO) or not living up to social expectations. generating anxiety and dependence on external validation that is generated in these virtual channels.
Ways to take care of your self-esteem on social networks
However, not everything necessarily has to be bad. Social networks can also be a very useful way to meet people with common interests or to connect with information that can only be found on the Internet. The culture generated on these channels should not be detracted, but proper use of social networks must be promoted to promote self-care and the protection of the self-esteem of the youngest. Here are some tips:
1. Set limits
It is important to be aware of when something is harming us on social networks, promoting certain comparisons that can be harmful or generating obsessions. Thus, control the content you consume and set limits to preserve your mental health
2. Develop social skills
Don’t limit your social interactions to exclusively digital and social media environments. Participate in in-person activities and groups to balance your online life and your offline life. This can be very helpful in developing social skills, building friendships, and experiencing more authentic, screen-free senses of belonging.
3. Talk about it
You can use networks as a channel to promote self-esteem, talk to your friends or people you know about how networks can have a very harmful impact on mental health. Sharing your experiences can be very positive to feel understood, organize ideas in your head and part of something.
In conclusion, social networks offer novel and interesting social experiences, but at the same time they entail dangers and difficulties for self-esteem and mental health in general. This does not mean that they are intrinsically harmful, but that time and research must be dedicated to finding ways to make networks become safe and healthy spaces for everyone. For our part, we can learn in what ways the use of networks impacts us; What strategies and limits can we implement to make them a safe space.
