The Impact of Influencer Culture on Teen Body Image

The influence of social media permeates every corner of our lives, and its impact can be particularly significant for those still developing their self-image. Research shows that, unfortunately, the impact of social media influencers is strongest for our most vulnerable population: teens.

If you’re the parent of a teen, it’s natural to be worried about the unrealistic beauty standards teens are exposed to online and how it might affect their self-esteem and body image.

Here’s what parents need to know about influencers and teen body image and how you can protect your child in the new age of social media.

How does social media affect teens?

Social media is now widely used by people of all ages, but teens and young adults still lead the race. Surveys show that 95% of teens use at least one social media platform. They’re the age group most likely to use media-sharing (photo/video) platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Teens are spending more and more time on these social media platforms. 1 in 5 of them report they’re on social media “almost constantly,” and overall, teens spend an average of 4.5 hours each day on social media^[1][2].

Researchers have studied the impact of increased social media usage on teens’ mental health. They’ve found that while social media does have some benefits, overall, teens who use social media more frequently are more likely to have mental health problems.

Studies have shown that social media use is linked to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Loneliness
• Cyberbullying

However, it’s important to note it’s difficult to determine a causal relationship between social media and mental health problems, which means we don’t know for sure which comes first. It’s possible teens who already live with mental health problems are more likely to turn to social media as a coping mechanism.

Influencers and teen mental health

Influencer content is one aspect of social media that could be especially harmful for teen mental health. “Influencers” are individuals with large social media followings who are able to sway the opinion (“influence”) of a company’s target audience. There are social media influencers in every niche, from fashion to fitness, travel, parenting, and more. Reports show over 50 million people around the world consider themselves to be influencers^[3].

Influencers are hired by companies to market products or services. To do this, they typically showcase themselves and their lives as flawless and enviable. Their social media profiles are filled with photos that show an ideal, “perfect” life.

It’s easy to understand how this could impact teens’ mental health. Young people may compare themselves and their lives to influencers – a comparison in which they come up short. While adults may be able to tell truth and fiction apart when looking at influencer accounts, teens may believe their favorite influencers are truly “perfect.”

Engaging with influencer accounts also carries the risk of forming a parasocial relationship. Parasocial relationships are when fans develop a sense of closeness with a media persona they don’t actually know. This can be especially risky for teens who may mistake online personas for genuine friendships and feel pressure to conform to the influencer’s image.

How do influencers affect body image?

Research shows influencer culture may have an especially negative impact on teen body image. To be successful in marketing, most influencers need to have large social media followings. And many of them rely on their physical appearance, at least in part, to gain this following.

Unfortunately, many influencers use beauty filters and image editing to fake the perception of unachievable beauty – poreless skin, tiny waists, and the absence of any imperfections. One report showed over 90% of social media users admit to using beauty filters^[3].

Teens, who are on social media for hours every day, are getting bombarded with these images. Research shows viewing these idealistic (and often edited) images can contribute to body image issues in teens.

One extensive review, which looked at studies across 50 countries, found social media usage was linked to body image issues, eating disorders, and poor mental health^[5]. Another study found people who tend to compare their own physical appearance to that of influencers (and others on social media) are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction and a strong desire to be thin^[6]. Yet another found browsing influencer accounts on Instagram was directly related to lower body dissatisfaction, especially for teen girls^[7].

“Thinspo” content

There is also an alarming trend among social media users and influencers of what is called “thinspo” or “thinspiration” content. Many of these accounts idealize eating disorders (like anorexia nervosa) that cause extensive weight loss. Research finds many teens, including those who already live with eating disorders, find this type of content online without actively searching for it^[8].

This type of content is incredibly harmful because it glamorizes unhealthy eating habits and unrealistic body types. Exposure to “thinspo” can trigger or worsen eating disorders, lead to feelings of isolation and depression, and create an unhealthy obsession with weight loss.

How to protect teens from body image issues from social media

The research is clear: influencer culture negatively affects teens’ body image, sometimes dangerously so. So what can be done?

Although teens themselves may not like hearing it, the best intervention may be to reduce social media use altogether. A study found reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens – teens who reduced their usage by just 50% started to feel significantly better about their weight and appearance^[9]. This has led policymakers to discuss the potential benefits of implementing potential bans or time limits on social media for teens under a certain age.

If reducing social media usage isn’t possible or realistic for your teen, consider other steps to help them maintain good mental health and prevent body dysmorphia despite influencer culture.

Curate social media feeds

Work together with your teen to curate their social media feeds. Encourage them to follow accounts that promote body positivity, self-love, and healthy lifestyles. Look for influencers who are open about using filters and editing, and who celebrate diversity in body types.

Instead of focusing on fashion models or celebrities with unrealistic physiques, help your teen explore accounts that showcase real people of all shapes and sizes. Following athletes who focus on their strength and training, artists who express themselves creatively, or activists who fight for social justice can be a great alternative to typical “influencer” accounts.

By surrounding themselves with positive and relatable content, your teen can challenge unrealistic beauty standards and develop a healthier self-image.

Focus on positive qualities

Help your teen shift their focus away from appearance and toward things they value. Encourage activities and hobbies that build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. This could include sports, music, art, volunteering, or anything that sparks their passions.

When teens find fulfillment in activities that don’t center around looks, they are less likely to be swayed by the idealized images they see online. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, contributing to their community, or simply having fun, these activities can remind them of their strengths and talents that go beyond physical appearance.

Keep communication open

Maintain open communication with your teen about body image and social media. Let them know you’re a safe space for them to express their feelings and frustrations. Encourage them to talk to you about unrealistic portrayals they see online and how it makes them feel.

When they open up to you, actively listen without judgment and offer support. Remind them their worth extends far beyond physical appearance. Validate their feelings and let them know it’s normal to feel insecure sometimes. Open communication builds trust and strengthens your relationship, making your teen more likely to come to you for guidance and support.

Be a positive role model

Be a positive role model for your teen when it comes to both body image and social media use.

Avoid negative self-talk about your own appearance and focus on healthy habits and taking care of yourself. Celebrate your body for what it can do, not just how it looks. Talk openly about food as fuel for your body’s activities, not a source of shame. Avoid comparing yourself to images you see online.

By demonstrating a healthy relationship with your own body, you can influence your teen’s self-perception. When they see you prioritizing your health and well-being over achieving unrealistic beauty standards, it sends a powerful message about self-acceptance.

Digital literacy education

Talk to your teen about media literacy. Help them understand how social media content is often curated and edited to create a certain image. Discuss the use of filters, lighting, and Photoshop and how these tools can manipulate how we see things.

Encourage teens to be critical consumers of social media content and to question the things they see online. Talk about the differences between sponsored content and genuine recommendations. Equipping your teen with these skills can empower them to make informed choices about what they engage with online and avoid being misled by unrealistic portrayals.

Seek professional help

If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health or eating habits, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide them with tools and strategies to cope with negative body image and social media influences.

Therapy can help teens develop a healthier relationship with food, improve their self-esteem, and challenge distorted body perceptions. Therapists can also teach them coping mechanisms for dealing with social media pressures and anxiety related to appearance. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your teen’s well-being. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional if you feel your teen needs additional support.

Eating disorder treatment at The Center • A Place of HOPE

If you, or your teen, are struggling with body dysmorphia as a result of social media use, our team at The Center • A Place of HOPE can help. We offer holistic and proven treatment for eating disorders, as well as treatment for other concerns like depression, trauma, anxiety, and more.

Our unique Whole Person Care approach ensures that your treatment will address the physical, emotional, intellectual, relational, and spiritual elements of your life.

We can help you find ways to manage your social media use, feel more confident about your body, beat disordered eating habits, and heal from trauma that may lie at the root of these behaviors. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.

1 – https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/12/11/teens-social-media-and-technology-2023/
2 – https://ifstudies.org/blog/how-parenting-and-self-control-mediate-the-link-between-social-media-use-and-youth-mental-health
3 – https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2022/07/08/the-rise-of-the-influencer-predictions-for-ways-theyll-change-the-world/
4 – https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/597209/Parliament-Report-web.pdf
5 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10032524/
6 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001450/
7 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8834897/
8 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10884122/
9 – https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/02/social-media-body-image