Selfies, popularly known as self-portraits taken by oneself, have been linked to poor body image. This was discovered by studies conducted both in the United Kingdom and the United States. These studies suggest that the more women look at the selfies posted by others on social media, the more likely their body image goes on a decline.
According to the researchers from University of Strathlkyde, Ohio University, and University of Iwoa, though celebrity selfie shots play a role in this self body image decline, the self-portraits of personal friends seem to create more impact since these friends are known contacts.
It is a fact that social networking sites are more frequently visited by young women compared to men. Young women also post more photographs of themselves. To further explore on this, the team of researchers conducted a survey participated by 881 female college students in the United States. The survey included questions relating to the participants' eating and exercise habits, Facebook use, and body image.
Results of the survey showed that there was no apparent link between selfies in social networks and eating disorders. Meanwhile, a link was found between social network usage and negative body image comparisons. It was discovered that the longer time the participants spent on Facebook and looking at selfies, the more they negatively compared their bodies to their friends'.
According to Petya Eckler, one of the researchers from the Univeristy of Strathclyde, the dangers of social media to self body image can be more detrimental than traditional media, since the former is participated by people we know, while the latter mainly promotes celebrities. "They hit closer to home," said Eckler. She added that such images seen on social media are unrealistic.
The Beat eating disorder charity in the UK promotes positive self body image, as this is an essential part of a sense of identity. The charity stresses how young people often compare themselves to unrealistic images, which is downright unhealthy.