How do social networks affect the self-esteem of adolescents?

Today, all adolescents have accounts on different social networks, and they use them in the most normal way possible. It has become part of a new social process during adolescence, being considered You miss those people who are not network users or who do not have parental permission for it.

However, parallel to this phenomenon, studies have increased in relation to the way in which social networks can have an impact on mental health, especially in adolescents, an age group more vulnerable to these due to their state of mind development. Social networks can be triggers of self-perception problems, promoting constant comparison with other people and fixation on likes or the acceptance of others.

Throughout this article, We will explore the ways in which social networks have a negative impact on self-esteem in adolescents., while looking for ways to use social networks to avoid this negative impact and taking care of self-esteem in the digital world. This is constantly changing and evolving, and it is never too late to consider new ways to immerse yourself in it.

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What are social networks?

Although practically everyone currently knows about social networks and is a user of them, we are going to propose a small definition to get into the matter. Social networks are digital platforms that allow interaction with other people, either by sharing content or following known people. In addition, it is also a way to follow celebrities or influencers and participate in virtual communities around topics of interest.

Social networks allow you to experience a sense of belonging and social validationespecially in the adolescent age. Teenagers can share their experiences, opinions and achievements, and receive likes and comments that reinforce their self-esteem. Currently, networks are becoming the first way in which we face the world. Generating an Internet personality is the way in which we develop our self-concept. and we learn the ways of relating to other people, even if it is mainly in a digital. The networks become a showcase to show yourself and discover the world around you, and this can entail dangers or difficulties for mental health, mainly for self-esteem.

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What impact do social networks have on self-esteem?

Networks can have a very negative impact on self-esteem, which is the main focus of this article. As previously mentioned, social networks encourage the generation of a self-image and a specific self-concept, always linked to digital experiences. These processes linked to networks can be associated with different difficulties, such as:

1. constant comparison

These concepts about oneself are born mainly from the visualization of other profiles, whether they are known people or celebrities, promoting the comparison and the assumption of the behaviors that may have more social desirability linked to the networks. Taking seemingly perfect lives and airbrushed images as a benchmark, teens can experience feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.. They may feel the pressure to reach certain standards of beauty, success and popularity that they see on the web, generating distorted perceptions of themselves.

• Related article: "How to stop comparing yourself to others: 5 practical tips"

2. Cyber ​​bullying

In addition, social networks can expose adolescents to cyberbullying or experiencing persistent negative reviews. Due to the anonymity of the Internet, many people use it to harm other people., either out of envy or because of problems people who move to the networks.

3. Overexposure

Also of concern is the constant presence of people's daily lives on their social media profiles, constantly sharing highlights and exciting activities. This can create the feeling of missing something (FOMO) or not living up to social expectations, generating anxiety and dependence on external validation that is generated in these virtual channels.

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Ways to take care of your self-esteem in social networks

However, not everything has to be bad. Social networks can also be a very useful way to meet people with common interests or to connect with information that can only be found on the Internet. The culture generated in these channels should not be detracted from, but an adequate use of social networks that promotes self-care and the protection of the self-esteem of the most youths. Here are some tips:

1. Set limits

It is important to be aware of when something is hurting us on social networks, promoting certain comparisons that can be harmful or generating obsessions. Thus, control the content you consume and set limits to preserve your mental health.

2. Develop social skills

Don't limit your social interactions to exclusively digital and social media environments. Participate in in-person activities and groups to balance your online life and your offline life. This can be very helpful in developing social skills, building friendships, and experiencing a more authentic, screen-free sense of belonging.

3. talk about it

You can use networks as a channel to promote self-esteem, talk to your friends or people you know about how networks can have a very harmful impact on mental health. Sharing your experiences can be very positive to feel understood, order ideas in your head and part of something

conclusions

In conclusion, social networks offer novel and interesting social experiences, but at the same time they entail dangers and difficulties for self-esteem and mental health in general. This does not mean that they are intrinsically harmful, but that time and research must be dedicated in looking for ways to make networks become safe and healthy spaces for everyone world. For our part, we can learn in what ways the use of networks impacts us; what strategies and limits we can implement to make them a safe space.