The rapid growth of social media has changed how individuals communicate, interact and perceive ourselves. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok and X have become a part of our daily routine especially among adolescents and young adults. While social media offers opportunities like entertainment, social connection, self-expression and creativity, it has also raised mental health concerns regarding mental health, self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction because of the exposure. The present study aims to examine how the use of social media influences the way young adults perceive their body image and how it affects their self-esteem and self-perception. A sample of 60 young adults aged 18-25 was surveyed using standardized questionnaire used to assess the use of social media on their self-esteem and body image. This paper discusses the effect of social comparison, appearance anxiety, self-objectification and body dissatisfaction. It also examines the positive and negative influences while also highlighting how certain online communities promote body positivity while others impose unrealistic beauty standards. The finding of the study indicates a slight significant positive relationship as it shows the impact on self-esteem and body image among participants. Increased social media use was linked with more body image concerns while its effects on self-esteem was comparatively weak. Participants with a higher self-esteem showed a more positive body image. The study highlights how constant exposure edited images, beauty standards, online comparison and validation through likes and comments and influencer culture affects an individual’s self-worth and physical appearance. However mindful and balanced use of social media may reduce the psychological effects.
Parkar et al. (Fri,) studied this question.