Letters to the Editor: The Impact of Social Media
Today's world is heavily influenced by social media, which often presents a distorted view of reality.
It creates a false impression of perfection, with
nearly 70 per cent of young people feeling pressured to appear perfect on social media, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
This pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards has significant consequences, including a massive beauty industry now worth over $500 billion, which
profits from insecurity.
While some promote self-acceptance and mindful living, their voices are often overshadowed by the dominant narrative of perfectionism.
The result is a cycle of consumption driven by insecurity, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of social media's impact on our lives.
Author's summary: Social media distorts reality, fueling insecurity and driving consumerism.
- 70% of young people feel pressured to appear perfect on social media
- The beauty industry is worth over $500 billion
- Social media creates a false impression of perfection, driving insecurity and consumption