Cutting Back on Social Media, Can Improve Teens', Self-Image, Study Suggests.
'New York Post' reports that a recent study found that some
teenagers' body images "significantly" improved within
weeks of halving the time they spent on social media. .
'New York Post' reports that a recent study found that some
teenagers' body images "significantly" improved within
weeks of halving the time they spent on social media. .
According to a study from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern
Ontario Research Institute, after just three weeks, teens
felt better about their weight and overall appearance.
The researchers, who partnered with the American
Psychological Association, chose 220 undergrad
students between 17 and 25 years old.
The participants all spent at least
two hours a day on social media and
had signs of depression or anxiety.
Social media can expose users
to hundreds or even thousands
of images and photos every day,
including those of celebrities
and fashion or fitness models, Gary Goldfield, lead study author, via 'New York Post'.
[This] leads to an internalization
of beauty ideals that are unattainable
for almost everyone, resulting
in greater dissatisfaction
with body weight and shape, Gary Goldfield, lead study author, via 'New York Post'.
Reducing social media use is a feasible
method of producing a short-term
positive effect on body image
among a vulnerable population, Gary Goldfield, lead study author, via 'New York Post'.
'New York Post' reports that 76% of the study's
participants were women, 23% were
men and 1% identified as "other.".
Participants who cut their media time to
60 minutes per day were found to show
vastly improved self-image.
According to the study researchers, teens spend
an average of between six and eight hours a day
on screens, a majority of that time on social media