What is Social Media?
Social media is made up of different websites and apps that let people connect, share, and communicate online. It allows users to post pictures and videos, send messages, leave comments, like posts, and interact with others in various ways. People use social media to stay in touch with family and friends, meet new people, and even make professional connections. It’s also a place where people find entertainment, news, and updates on what’s happening in the world. The content you see is usually based on your interests, which makes using these apps feel personal and engaging. Some of the most popular social media platforms are YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter (now called X). These apps are free and easy to use on phones, computers, and other devices. Social media is a big part of everyday life for many people and is used for fun, staying informed, and connecting with others.
My Experience with Social Media During Adolescence
Growing up with social media during my adolescence had a significant impact on how I perceived myself and how I felt about the way others saw me. I was in middle school when I first downloaded the Instagram app, which I think has been the most influential towards my development in relation to social media. As a teenager, it became easy to fall into the trap of endlessly comparing myself to others, especially when I would see posts of people with seemingly perfect appearances and lives. Even though I knew deep down that many of these posts were edited or presented in an idealized way, the pressure to look a certain way began to feel overwhelming. On top of that, I started to feel this constant need to seem perfect online myself. This stress, along with the constant worrying about how I was being judged by my peers, intensified my anxiety. Over time, my body image took a hit as well, as I became hyper-aware of every perceived flaw in myself.
Reflecting on this experience now, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how social media can significantly impact an adolescent’s self-esteem, body image, and overall mental health. The constant pressure to compare oneself to others, combined with the desire for validation, can be incredibly damaging. As someone who plans to work as a school counselor in the future, this understanding has helped shape my approach to supporting children and adolescents. From my own experiences, I now recognize the importance of encouraging self-compassion and helping young people develop a healthy relationship with their own self-image. It’s essential to provide them with the tools to understand how so much of what is seen on social media is fake, along with creating environments where they feel valued for who they truly are, rather than based on external validation. I also feel that having open conversations about body image and the stress of constant comparison is incredibly important for young people, which is something I hope to do in my future profession.
