Digital technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including for young people who grow up surrounded by smartphones, laptops, tablets, video games, and social media platforms.
These technologies also have unintended consequences, including shaping adolescent's perception of their own sexual desirability and social value. This essay will explore how digital engagement metrics such as likes, views, comments, and followers affect teenagers' self-esteem, body image, and relationship to others.
Digital Engagement Metrics
Technology companies collect vast amounts of data on users' interactions with digital platforms and use that information to create user profiles, target advertising, and optimize algorithms. These data include user preferences, browsing history, search queries, location, demographics, and interests. Advertisers can then leverage this information to customize ad campaigns and target specific audiences.
If a teenager regularly searches for "healthy recipes" or "fitness routines," they may be shown ads promoting weight loss products. Similarly, if someone frequently visits fashion websites, they might see ads for designer clothing. The number of likes, views, comments, and followers received on posts is another metric used to gauge popularity and influence online.
Sexual Desirability
Social media has transformed how we communicate, connect, and interact with each other, but it has also changed what we consider desirable and attractive. Young adults are constantly bombarded with images of idealized bodies, relationships, and lifestyles, which set unrealistic standards for beauty, success, and happiness. Teens compare themselves to celebrities and influencers who have been photoshopped, filtered, or altered in some way. With the rise of social media, young people can now view their peers' lives through a filter, making them feel like everyone else is living a perfect life while they struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may even develop body dysmorphia, believing they are overweight, underweight, or otherwise imperfect. This comparison leads to feelings of envy, jealousy, and inadequacy, leading many young people to seek out plastic surgery, diet pills, and other extreme measures to change their appearance.
Social Value
Digital engagement metrics shape not only sexual desirability but also social value. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer users the opportunity to build followings and gain attention from others, but this often comes at the cost of authenticity and vulnerability. Teenagers may post only curated content that portrays an image of perfection, hiding their true selves behind filters, editing software, and carefully crafted captions. They might avoid sharing personal information or expressing negative emotions to maintain a positive online presence, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. The pressure to perform for likes and follows can also cause teenagers to focus on appearances instead of substance, leading to shallow relationships and superficial interactions. They may prioritize popularity over genuine connections, resulting in more drama and conflict within their social circles.
In what ways do digital engagement metrics shape adolescents' perception of sexual desirability and social value?
Digital engagement metrics such as likes, followers, and views can significantly impact how adolescents perceive their sexual attractiveness and overall social worth. The increasing popularity of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has made it easier for teenagers to compare themselves with others based on these metrics. This comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, particularly if they don't receive enough attention or validation from their peers online.