Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become ubiquitous in the lives of many people. However, a recent study by the Massachusetts General Hospital revealed that the excessive use of social media can negatively impact the mental health of users and increase the likelihood of depression. Now, researchers from the University of South Australia have found that young women who use social media intensively are more likely to experience self-doubt, which can lead to a desire for cosmetic surgery.
According to the study published in the Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, young adults in Australia are among the biggest users of social media, exposing them to unrealistic body ideals. The researchers conducted an online survey of 238 Australian women aged 18 to 29 to investigate the extent to which social media affects both positive and negative aspects of self-perception. The survey asked participants about their social media usage, their opinions on cosmetic surgery, and their self-image. The most commonly used social media platforms were Facebook (91.18%), Instagram (90.76%), and TikTok (28.15%).
The study found that 16% of the participants had already undergone at least one cosmetic procedure, while over half (54%) were considering it in the future. Women who had a predominantly negative self-image were more open to cosmetic surgery. The researchers concluded that there is a correlation between higher social media usage and greater acceptance of cosmetic surgery among young women.
This study highlights the potential negative impact of social media on young women’s self-esteem and body image. It also raises concerns about the normalization of cosmetic surgery as a solution to self-doubt and insecurity. Experts suggest that social media companies should take responsibility for promoting more realistic body ideals and reducing the pressure on young women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
