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Women are less likely to be happy with their bodies if they spend more than an hour on social media, [1]according to researcher Martin Graf at the University of South Wales, United Kingdom. Women that spend more than an hour on social media tend to think thin people are more attractive and are more self-conscious about how they look. In result of these women being focused on their body appearance are more motivated to exercise to improve their body. "Spending more time each day on those social networking sites that are often used to post images of oneself, and for comparison with others, is linked to having unhealthy relationships both with body image and potentially exercise as well," Graff said (Tech Times, 2018).
Social media has become a misleading field of vision where socialites generally portray themselves positively—in the gym, hanging out with friends, and having fun. Media moguls are not regularly posting bad hair day photos. Socialites will set up an aesthetic post of themselves going on a lavish trip (that they may not be able to afford) and showing off their “in-shape” body to the world that has probably been tapered by a plastic surgeon, leaving women to feel insecure about their social life and self-esteem. [2]“Insecure women and girls may use social media to try to feel better about themselves, yet using it may make them feel worse,” said Dr. Nancy Mramor, a psychologist and media expert from Pittsburgh. [3]“Young women who use social media in this aspect could be depressed, anxious, or suffering from eating disorder”, said Ramani Durvasula, director of the psychology clinic at California State University in Los Angeles.
Regardless of these findings young women will continue to use social media and damage themselves. Mramor advised: [4]"Decide before going in that the images and information you see are not reality. If someone posts pictures of an expensive vacation that you could not afford, remember that posts are often exaggerated. Many people post pictures of trips, romantic anniversary parties and days at the beach that were not really as exciting as they appear." Image is everything on social media.
However, it is important that these findings are only taken with a grain of salt. A small sample of college students in the U.K. were observed more research is needed to be done with minorities, social class, and cultures.
Sources:
[1] Times, Allan Adamson Tech. “More Than One Hour Use Of Social Media Daily May Harm Women's Self-Esteem.” Tech Times, MENU$(".Topsearchbutton").Click(Function(){ $(".Srcframe").Toggle(); }); $('Input[Type="Search"]').Keypress(Function() { $("#Srcform").Submit(); });TechScienceHealthCulture Features Buzz, 7 May 2018, www.techtimes.com/articles/226999/20180507/more-than-one-hour-use-of-social-media-daily-may-harm-womens-self-esteem.htm.
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