How to Empower Young Women in the Digital Era

Social media can have a significant impact on young females' body image. The constant exposure to curated and often edited images on social media can lead to unhealthy comparisons and dissatisfaction with one's appearance. This dissatisfaction is compounded by the developmental changes adolescents experience, making them particularly vulnerable to negative body image issues.

Historically, media has influenced body satisfaction negatively for young females, but the advent of smartphones and social media has exacerbated the problem. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and others offer constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards, which has intensified the impact on young women. TikTok had 2 billion active users monthly as of 2021, with a significant proportion of those being teenagers and young females (Auxier et al., 2021; Woodward, 2024). Unlike traditional media—such as movies, television shows, and magazines—that also perpetuate these ideals, social media provides an unprecedented level of accessibility and exposure. This digital environment makes toxic beauty standards more pervasive and harder to escape, contributing to heightened body dissatisfaction among adolescents.

Empowering Young Females

Source: AAMFT/Used with permission

The influence of social media on body image is well-documented. Recent studies, such as those by Sagrera et al. (2022), highlight a direct correlation between social media use and body dissatisfaction among young females. Wojtara (2022) further emphasizes that exposure to idealized beauty standards on these platforms can severely impact adolescent well-being and self-perception. Social media often showcases unattainable beauty trends that lead to social comparison, which exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one's body.

Research indicates that family dynamics and life cycle transitions play a significant role in the development of eating disorders and body dissatisfaction among adolescents (Berge et al., 2013). Family dynamics, including interactions, modeling of body image attitudes, and communication styles, significantly influence a young girl's body image. Family therapists are well-positioned to address these complex issues and can utilize evidence-based interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address body image issues. CBT can be particularly effective because it not only targets individual symptoms but also considers broader systemic factors. MFTs can help young females by focusing on cognitive restructuring, positive mirror exposure, and response prevention. Cognitive restructuring involves challenging and reframing negative thoughts about one's body, fostering healthier self-perceptions. Positive mirror exposure encourages positive verbal affirmations and self-talk, which can counteract negative self-perceptions. Response prevention helps manage social media consumption by reducing the urge to engage excessively with these platforms, which can contribute to body dissatisfaction.

Therapists can help clients shift away from traditional Western and Eurocentric beauty standards towards a more inclusive understanding of beauty, emphasizing the importance of embracing a diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, and body sizes. For young females to develop a healthier self-image, there needs to be a broader acceptance of varied beauty ideals beyond those perpetuated by Western media.

Overall, therapists can be integral in mitigating the impact of social media on body image issues among young females. By integrating CBT techniques, MFTs can offer practical strategies that address negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with body dissatisfaction. They play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being and helping young females develop self-acceptance in the face of pervasive and often harmful digital influences. A thorough assessment of social media use and its effects on body image is essential in therapeutic settings. By equipping young females with coping strategies and fostering healthier self-perceptions, MFTs contribute significantly to improving their clients' mental health and resilience in the digital age.

Virginia Beall

Source: AAMFT/Used with permission

Virginia Beall is a marriage and family therapy (MFT) student at Chapman University. She is currently in the third year of the program and is an AAMFT Student member. Beall is committed to advancing the MFT field and her passion lies in working with young girls struggling with body image and self-esteem issues.

Stephanie R. Martinez

Source: AAMFT/Used with permission

Stephanie R. Martinez is a marriage and family therapist trainee at the Frances Smith Center for individuals and family therapy in their third year of the MFT program at Chapman University. Martinez is deeply committed to fostering holistic healing and growth in individuals navigating life’s challenges.

Julie Payne, DMFT, LMFT

Source: AAMFT/Used with permission

Julie Payne, DMFT, LMFT, is an AAMFT Professional member holding the Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor designations and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Chapman University in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program.

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