Write an article about How ‘selfie dysmorphia’ chips away at young people’s confidence .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Social media is increasingly shaping society’s standards of beauty and success, despite the fact that much of what is posted is neither real nor realistic. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: “I rarely compare myself to others, though when my selfies get ‘likes’ and compliments, I feel really happy. But if someone says I don’t look pretty, I feel really down.”
This confession from 15-year-old Nadia (not her real name) underscores the growing impact of selfies on teenagers’ self-esteem, particularly due to social media.
What troubles Nadia most is her preference to present herself authentically, without filters, unlike many others who enhance their appearance for online validation.
“When someone criticises my photo for not looking good, I get even more stressed,” she told Bernama, adding that such remarks intensify her desire to look “perfect”.
Nadia’s situation is far from isolated: experts say social media is increasingly shaping society’s standards of beauty and success, despite the understanding that much of what is posted is neither real nor realistic.
They warn that cases like Nadia’s may lead to selfie dysmorphia, a condition in which individuals develop distorted perceptions of their appearance due to an obsession with posting selfies online.
Psychologist Dr Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai explains that selfie dysmorphia arises when individuals frequently compare their appearance to the “ideal” images seen on social media.
“These images are often unrealistic due to editing, which can leave teenagers feeling dissatisfied with their natural appearance,” he told Bernama, adding that the intense need for attention and validation through “likes” can create overwhelming social pressure for teens.
“Social reactions and positive comments significantly affect teens’ self-esteem. They feel valued when they receive attention, but may feel inferior when they don’t get the validation they seek,” he highlighted.
Dr Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai.
Over time, selfie dysmorphia can develop into more severe mental health issues such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a psychological condition where individuals obsess over perceived physical flaws that are often minor or imagined.
Abdul Rahman noted that the constant pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, particularly those set by social media, poses a serious threat to adolescent emotional well-being.
“This can lead to depression, heightened anxiety, and a sense of isolation. When teens are unable to achieve the ideal image they aspire to, it can trigger significant psychological distress that may require professional intervention,” he cautioned.
He also warned that teens trapped in the cycle of selfie dysmorphia may be at risk of developing eating disorders, low self-esteem, and deterioration in social and academic functioning. In extreme cases, an obsession with appearance may even lead some to undergo cosmetic procedures at a young age.
Indeed, a recent study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that over 50% of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures cited social media influence as the primary motivation behind their decision.
Echoing these concerns, Shuhaida Md Noor from the School of Communication at Universiti Sains Malaysia said social media algorithms play a significant role in deepening individuals’ obsession with self-image.
A 2022 study revealed that nearly 20% of teens on social media showed early signs of BDD; most of them link dissatisfaction with their appearance to frequent photo-taking and editing. (Envato Elements pic)
“These algorithms curate content based on user interests, creating a social bubble that reinforces specific perspectives and lifestyles. For instance, if a teenager is interested in beauty, they will be repeatedly shown similar content, which heightens the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards,” she explained.
Shuhaida warned that this phenomenon traps teens in a continuous content loop, triggering social comparison as they measure themselves against carefully curated images of idealised figures.
She also links the issue to consumerist culture, where individuals spend excessively on beauty and fashion products in the hope of enhancing their appearance and gaining approval on social media.
“With constant exposure to such content, it’s not surprising that some teens may develop BDD, especially when cosmetic or fashion efforts fail to deliver the ‘perfect’ results they seek,” she added.
Shuhaida Md Noor.
Shuhaida noted that selfie culture isn’t entirely negative, as long as it is approached mindfully. Critical media literacy is crucial, so teens are educated to understand how algorithms operate; how to manage the content they consume; and how to distinguish between healthy and unhelpful content.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman stressed on the importance of strengthening support systems both at school and at home, calling on parents and teachers to be more attuned to behavioural changes in teenagers.
He, too, recommends proactive steps such as media-literacy education to equip children with the skills to navigate digital platforms wisely, alongside limiting screen time.
“Teach them about the influence of social media. With open communication and education in schools, we can help teens identify the negative effects of social media before they escalate into serious problems,” he said, adding that the media also needs to play a more responsible role in reshaping beauty standards, which are often misrepresented.
In managing selfie dysmorphia, support from mental health professionals – including counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists – is vital, particularly when teens begin to show signs of emotional distress related to body image.
“Teens need access to therapy and counselling when facing such pressure, in the form of individual treatment as well as peer support groups. Young people must understand that they are not alone in this challenge,” he concluded.
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