Social Media has become an integral part of everyday
life. Although social media has made life more convenient, by ensuring immediate
communication and quick spread of information, it does have severe drawbacks.
The most affected by these drawbacks are members of the younger generation, who
have been born in an era of technology. Teenagers are in constant contact with
one another through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. This has
caused a ‘global epidemic’ of social comparison on social media, resulting in detrimental
effects on the self-esteem of the user. According to the Social Comparison
Theory, people determine their social and personal worth by comparing
themselves to others (What is Social Comparison Theory,
n.d) .
In the long run, an approach advocated by schools and local communities to
change the way teens use and perceive social media is necessary for solving
this problem. At present, a curative approach involving parents as change
makers is a more realistic starting point to curb lowered self-esteem of teen
users.
The Social Comparison Theory is essential in
understanding how social media influences our self-esteem. By looking at a
friend’s latest holiday pictures or party videos, teens are bound to compare
themselves with the poster, and thus, to his or her experiences. A study by
German universities in 2013 found that viewing peoples’ profiles on Facebook
triggers feelings of envy and resentment (Woda, 2014) .
In turn, these feelings cause self-reflection and self-valuation of the
follower. As teens are constantly viewing their friends’ profiles on social
media platforms, this is a daily struggle for them.
An ideal solution would be for schools and local
communities to take on a preventive approach by alternating the perspectives of
teenagers through Social Media Education. Raising awareness is essential in the
curbing the negative use of social media. Youngsters start using social media
on entering middle school with no supervision or knowledge of what they’re
getting themselves into. Schools could hold compulsory seminars wherein
youngsters are taught positive ways to use social media to become more aware of
their surroundings, foster their hobbies and connect with friends. Also, these
seminars could be platforms for teens to raise their views on dealing with
social comparison and seek guidance regarding the same. Local communities could
offer support in aligning teenagers with social media and provide personal
contact points to discuss individualized problems with experienced peers and
supportive elders. However, this is easier said than done. Our society is one
that allows, and at times even encourages social comparison. Judgment is a part
of everyday life, something that “everyone” indulges in. So a teen could ask, “Why
should I stop comparing myself with someone else, when they’re still comparing
themselves to me?”
Another approach to tackle the problem of social
comparison on social media is a parental approach. Parents are usually the most
concerned party of their own children and act as important figures of guidance
and counseling, especially during their kid’s adolescent years. According to
Woda (2014), parents should not only monitor the amount of time their teen
spends online, but what they do during that time. The quality of social media
has a direct relationship with self-esteem. Thus, it can work as a booster of
esteem instead (Woda, 2014). Parents should also be friendly figures in
encouraging their children to develop their own personalities and make it clear
to them to take social media activities lightly (Woda, 2014). Additionally, alternative
methods of self-expression amongst young kids and adolescents should be encouraged
by parents and local communities. Blogs and support groups should be promoted,
instead of stigmatized, to allow catharsis. Painting, music and dance forms could
also have a doubled effect of cathartic experiences and in boosting of the
teen’s self-esteem.
Although tangible efforts by schools and communities to
reduce social comparison on social media is a step in the direction of a change
in how teens are determined to use social media, parental guidance is a more
immediate and realistic method to reduce harsh effects on self-esteem and
self-perception of the user.
References
Lavine, L. (2014,
March 10). Want to be happier? Stop comparing yourself to what you see on
Social Media . Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/3027380/want-to-be-happier-stop-comparing-yourself-to-what-you-see-on-social-media
What is
Social Comparison Theory. (n.d). Retrieved from Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/social-comparison-theory
Woda, S.
(2014, May 21). Does Social Media Use Impact My Kid's Self-Esteem. Retrieved
from uknowkids:
http://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/does-social-media-use-impact-my-kids-self-esteem
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