to speak with Dr. Diedrichs about how to recognize signs of low-self-esteem, how parents can broach the conversation with their children, and how social media can actually be turned into a positive platform.
“Posting selfies to seek validation through comments and likes, comparing the way you look to the people you see on social media , and engaging or commenting on other people’s appearances can be problematic,” says Dr. Diedrichs, adding that comparing ourselves to celebrities, influencers, and distant peers is more harmful because we’re not seeing them in real life.
When we asked Chilcott about her experience, she said she found the comparison of oneself to others to be the worst part of social media. “I’m immersed in a community of fellow influencers, and we’re all doing our best to ensure we have the most aesthetic feed or most put-together outfit, but this is what ends up hurting me the most: Why does my life not look like hers?” says the high school junior, who also points to models who post frequently on Instagram as a major self-esteem crusher.
“They can be problematic when they’re used or designed to perpetuate narrow beauty standards or to patronize , mimic, or make fun of people with unusual appearances and physical disabilities,” Dr. Diedrichs says. “Digital distortion also includes other behaviors, like spending a lot of time getting ready to take a photo, taking on average 14 selfies before posting one, or spending at least 20 minutes posing to get a selfie,”.
“If you come from a place of patience and compassion and support, then that’s a really good place to start,” she says.