In today’s society, teens are constantly bombarded with society’s laser focus on beauty and perfection, especially with the advent of social media. Filters and editing apps give peers the ability to present manufactured, flawless versions of themselves. Teens exposed to this content on a day to day basis, find that the line between reality and a facade become blurred. When they step into the real world, many find that they judge themselves, and often feel anxious, ashamed, or inadequate. This can lead to low self-esteem, body image concerns, and possibly escalate to disordered eating.
Spotting the Signs and Supporting Teens
As therapists working with teens, it’s important to pay attention to early signs of change, especially when it comes to self-image and changes in eating behaviors. While our goal is to support our clients, the influence of the online world, between sessions, they often find that they are being continuously reinforced with the idea that they’re not enough. The rise in comparison culture makes therapeutic support not just helpful, but essential.
We must help teens gain realistic perspectives regarding their image and educate them on how filters and apps can create this seeming duality of reality. Many teens don’t have the cognitive development to fully separate the digital world from reality, which can lead to unrealistic expectations of what beauty looks like or how their bodies “should” appear. Therapy provides a space where those assumptions can be gently challenged, and where teens can begin to explore their values, identity, and worth beyond appearance.
Meeting Teens Where They Are
Therapy isn’t just about talking through real life day to day stressors, but it’s also a place to step into your clients digital world influences. Teens might not always bring up their online experiences without some promptings, but these apps play a major role in shaping their self-image, friendships, and even sense of safety. When we ask intentional questions, we often uncover layers of bullying, exclusion, or hidden insecurities that others may not see.
This is why it is important to address all levels of reality directly with your teen clients especially. You never know what you may uncover or how you may be able to help your teen client work through online concerns.
