12 Ways Social Media Is Slowly Destroying Your Self-Esteem

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In the digital age, social media is at the core of our society, and it has become one of the first places we turn to to validate or determine someone’s worth. Though it has many benefits, one of social media’s more sinister influences manifests in self-esteem. Amid the highly edited pictures and highlight reels that fill streams, trying to compete with seemingly perfect online personas feels intense.

This non-stop comparison can foster a feeling of incompetence, slowly lowering self-worth. Instead, many users look to these platforms to confirm their value through likes, comments, or followers rather than recognizing their individuality and accomplishments. In an age where reality and virtual life have merged, it is essential to pick up on the consequences of social media creating false perceptions of self and treat them to produce higher quality and happier people.

Unrealistic Beauty Standards

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Sometimes, we do no know people are using filters, Photoshop, or cosmetic surgery until everything goes wrong. There may be nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself, but always remember that it takes more than a nice body and a pretty face to be a good person. When repeatedly exposed to these idealized standards, individuals may feel unhappy with their appearance, which can greatly impact self-esteem.

Envy-Inducing Posts

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Seeing frequent posts about vacations, luxury items, and other personal successes can result in feelings of envy and inadequacy among users. This fear of missing out can reduce self-esteem, making consumers feel like their lives are less valuable.

Validation Seeking

Many people seek validation from likes and positive comments on social media. But this dependence on things outside of us for affirmation can backfire and sabotage our natural confidence and self-belief because we cannot feel good about ourselves from ‘within.’

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Spending hours browsing numerous updates and posts about parties and get-togethers might instigate FOMO — that one may miss out on a happening social life. This leads to increased isolation and feelings of inferiority.

Cyberbullying and Harassment

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Social media is now a hotbed for cyberbullying and harassment. These hurtful or threatening remarks can lead to self-confidence issues, as well as anxiety, depression, and a sense of worthlessness.

Impostor Syndrome

Perpetual exposure to the accomplishments of others can lead to impostor syndrome — a phenomenon in which people are plagued by self-doubt and fear that they will be exposed as frauds. It can also lead to a decreased sense of self and more critical towards yourself.

Overemphasis on Appearance

The constant demon of our world and society is physical looks rather than how you are as a person or what makes you, well, you. The problem with this focus shifting is that it can cause people to underestimate their intrinsic values, which affects their self-esteem.

Addictive Behavior

Being constantly made to feel guilty for not truly living in the moment or because we could be doing something better if only we were to check our social media feeds is an addiction that prevents us from learning valuable lessons through interaction and personal growth. And, making it possessive of self-esteem, this addiction moved users further and further away from authentic forms of validation.

Negative Feedback

Negative comments or constructive criticism on posts can wreak havoc on a person mentally as they read these and often take them to heart. In the long run, this can lower self-esteem and raise questions about value.

Time Wasting

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Getting distracted on social media can cause people to procrastinate and miss out on their duties and personal achievements. This distraction can lead to an experience of emptiness and disconnection from one’s sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth.

Highlight Reel Distortion

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Today, on social media, everyone puts up their best photo. Such a “highlight reel” effect can make others feel inferior, establishing standards that cannot be reached in the everyday world.

Privacy Invasion

Users must know that sharing personal stories and information on social network platforms could put their privacy at risk. Problems with privacy and security can stress you out more than enough to reduce or eliminate self-love and confidence.