Cutting Back on Social Media Significantly Boosts Teens’ Self-Image, Study Finds

Cutting down on social media may boost your teenager's self-image in a matter of weeks, according to a new study. The lead author says "Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of body image issues, eating disorders, and mental illness." Teens and young adults are spending endless hours viewing images that set unattainable beauty ideals.

The study included 220 students, 17 to 25 years of age, with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Researchers measured the amount of time they normally spent on social media and then asked half of them to sign on no more than 60 minutes per day for the next 3 weeks. Participants filled out mental health questionnaires before and after the experiment.

The results showed those who reduced their social media use by 50% experienced significant improvements in how they felt about their overall appearance and their weight. Gender did not appear to make a difference in the effects. The authors say reducing social media use should be evaluated as a possible treatment for body image disorders.