The Photoshop effect on teen self-esteem
It is quite understandable and normal to be concerned with one’s appearance. But when the desire to look good becomes an obsession and begins to rule how we present ourselves in society – we need to stop and reflect.
Teens are exposed to magazines and advertising that portrays the ideal western way of how we should physically appear to society. However, many teens are severely affected by their appearances and will do anything to achieve the image portrayed by these false advertisers – to the point of causing emotional and physical bodily harm towards themselves.
Recent studies have shown that exposure to the super-thin models can produce feelings of stress, depression, shame, guilt, body-dissatisfaction and shame.
Due to advances in technology and the rise of mass media, teens are struggling with the acceptance of their less than perfect bodies. Little do they realise that 9 out of 10 times, the model images portrayed in these magazines have been edited in Photoshop and is not a true reflection – let alone attainable.
Digital alteration or image manipulation isn’t only found in fashion magazines – it’s found on TV, the movies and even when it comes down to your favourite brand, it’s used for everything.
Being exposed to this form of negative media can lead to low self-esteem, whereby an individual views themselves as incompetent, unlovable and inadequate.
Studies show that among high school students, 15% guys and 44% of girls are trying desperately to lose weight. Even scarier is that over 70% of girls aged between 15 and 17, will not attend school if they feel bad about their looks. And 40% of boys are regularly exercising to build muscle.
It is found that girls with low self-esteem have a tendency towards bullying, drinking, smoking, self mutilation and eating disorders. They are also inclined to find themselves in situations with guys, which they end up regretting later. About 70% of high school girls don’t feel like they measure up or are not good enough when it comes to their appearances, performance at school and personal relationships.
Self-esteem is all about how much we value, love and accept ourselves. Teens with high self-esteem feel good about their physical image, take pride in their abilities and appreciate their own worth.
Teens with low self-esteem may feel alienated and unable to engage with their peers. It’s normal to experience self esteem issues at some point, especially as a teen – as you begin to find out who you are and where you fit in the world.
The beauty of poor self esteem is that it is not a fixed disorder and is mostly influenced by our surroundings, peers and the media. So if you are not happy with your level of self esteem you can work at changing it.
A good place to start is to look at what caused the issue in the first place – it boils down to how others see and treat us and how we view ourselves in the world.
Should the issues that kicked off the poor esteem be identified, the fact is it can be worked on. Find the help, and become part of your own solution. Just having someone supporting your efforts can have positive outcomes.
Learn to look at yourself with kindness, and work on all your positive assets – we all have them! Many of the most successful people in the world ever, were not candidates for a beauty pageant!