The Internet has become an essential part of modern life, especially for teenagers, who spend hours browsing through websites and apps every day. Social media platforms are no exception, and they offer many ways to connect with friends, follow celebrities, share experiences, and learn about new things.
This can also mean being exposed to unrealistic images and ideas that shape their perception of beauty, success, and identity.
Some studies have shown that adolescents feel pressured to conform to certain gender norms due to social media exposure. In turn, it can affect how they express themselves and their feelings towards others. One study found that seeing models with different body types increased self-esteem among women but decreased it among men. Another study discovered that exposure to diverse gender identities may lead to more accepting attitudes towards them, but adolescents still struggle with feeling accepted. This paper will explore these findings further to understand how social media exposure influences adolescent self-expression.
How does social media exposure impact adolescents' self-expression?
Social media is full of pictures and posts that showcase different genders and sexualities. People post pictures of themselves in clothes or poses that may not reflect their true selves or real lives. These images can make some adolescents question their own bodies and sexuality, leading to negative self-image issues such as anxiety and depression. They may feel pressure to change themselves to fit into a certain mold or compare themselves unfavorably against other users. On the other hand, adolescents who see positive representation of alternative genders and sexualities may become more accepting and confident in their own identities. It all depends on the messages they receive from the platform.
What are the benefits of exposure to diverse gender identities?
Adolescents often go through a period of exploration when it comes to their identity, so being exposed to different genders and sexualities can help them discover new possibilities.
One study showed that teenagers who saw more diverse gender identities were less likely to use derogatory language or stereotypes based on gender roles. This was especially true for those who had previously expressed prejudice towards non-conforming genders. Exposure can also lead to increased awareness and acceptance of others, which can benefit everyone involved.
This doesn't always translate into better self-esteem for the individual.
What are the downsides of exposure to diverse gender identities?
While exposure to diversity can be beneficial, there is also evidence that it can harm self-expression. Adolescents may start to doubt their own feelings if they don't measure up to the standards set by social media models. They may develop unrealistic expectations about how people should look and act, leading to body dysmorphia or low self-worth. Some studies have even found that seeing diverse bodies can increase anxiety around weight and appearance, causing further issues with self-image. All these factors make adolescents feel like they need to change themselves rather than accept who they are, leading to negative impacts on mental health.
How does social media exposure to diverse gender identities affect adolescents' self-expression?
Although many studies have found that young people report feeling more comfortable expressing their true selves through digital spaces than in real life, this does not mean they are completely free from judgment or discrimination when it comes to personal identity. Social media allows for greater visibility of individuals with non-binary or fluid gender identities, which can be empowering but also potentially harmful if negative reactions ensue.