Introduction

Social media is part of everyday life now, especially for teens and young adults. It’s where we keep up with friends, share moments, and discover new trends. But it also creates a constant stream of opinions, and expectations. Every time you open an app, you’re met with other people’s posts that are carefully chosen photos, filters, and rarely show the full story. Over time, it can be easy to start comparing yourself to what you see on your screen without even realizing it.

These constant comparisons can slowly shape how you see yourself and even your worth. When likes and comments start to feel like a scorecard, it can affect your confidence and make you more critical of your appearance. At the same time, social media isn’t all negative; it can also provide support, representation, and positive role models. Understanding how it influences your self-image is the first step toward using it in a healthier way.