Kiefner-Burmeister, A., Domoff, S., Waltz, H., Jacobs, A., Ramirez, C., & Heilman, C.C. (2023). “Spilling the tea” on generation Z social media use and body image. Social Development. DOI: 10.1111/sode.12699. 


"Spilling the tea" on generation Z social media use and body image 

Xavier University

Low self esteem and body image is becoming an increasing concern, particularly in young people, as social media becomes more and more popular. It provides more opportunities for social comparison than ever before which can be very harmful to an individual's psychological health and their body body image. Having low body image makes a person at a greater risk of committing suicide, substance use, bullying, and even of dropping out of school. 

Body Image and Duration of Social Media Usage

Body Image and Duration of Social Media Usage References 

Previous studies have found that female social media users are more likely than male social media users to compare themselves to other people on social media and have also reported greater levels of body dissatisfaction, internalization, and pressure due to social media. Furthermore, young women and girls are more likely to internalize thin ideal body standards while young men and boys are more likely to internalize muscular body ideals. 

Body Image and Duration of Social Media Usage: Gender Differences 

Social Medias filled with posts of influencers who look "perfect" and often these influencers will credit healthy food brands and certain fitness programs. More often then not what they are failing to mention is the abdominoplasty they got or the steroids they use. These people have great influence especially young individuals and are creating a false narrative, setting people up for disappointment. They buy the healthy food and subscribe to the fitness program but somehow still do not look like the influencer. This can create major body image problems and very negative consequences.

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