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
