The Influence of Social Media on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Eating Disorder Risk in Adolescent Females

Authors

• Nestanet A. Molla, St. Cloud State University

Files

Description

• This literature review explored how appearance-focused social media affects adolescent girls. The studies showed that social media is linked to body dissatisfaction, comparison behaviors, lower self-esteem, and unhealthy eating behaviors, especially when use is intensive, problematic, or strongly appearance-focused^1–4

• At the same time, protective factors such as media literacy, family support, and body-positive interventions may help reduce these negative effects^4,5

Publication Date

5-19-2026

City

St. Cloud, MN

Keywords

Social media, Adolescent girls, Body image, Eating disorders, Body dissatisfaction, Appearance-focused social media

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Social Media

Comments

InnovateHER: Minnesota Women's Health Day

Recommended Citation

Molla, Nestanet A., "The Influence of Social Media on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Eating Disorder Risk in Adolescent Females" (2026). InnovateHER Meeting 2026. 21.
https://digitalcommons.centracare.com/innovateher_meeting_2026/21