The influence of social media on body image affects youth of all genders in complex ways. Social media platform designs that reward appearance-related content with visible social approval metrics (“likes”) can influence adolescent brains that are especially sensitive to social feedback. Filters and trends in advertiser and influencer images feed “fitspiration” and “thinspiration” ideals that children and teens may internalize, contributing to body preoccupation and weight-related behaviors. The effects are real: today’s youth are growing up in online environments that can both uplift and damage their perceptions of their own body and affect child health. Understanding how to promote positive body image and avoid online risks is essential for any parent, caregiver, educator, or professional supporting young people.
Children and Screens held the #AskTheExperts webinar “Social Media and Youth Body Image: What To Know and What To Do” on Thursday January 22 from 4:30pm-6pm ET. A panel of leading researchers and psychologists shared the latest evidence on how body image develops, what effects influencers, marketing, and trends have on youth body image, and what can be done to foster healthy child body image development today.
