Identify two ways the media can negatively impact self-esteem

Answer 1

The media can negatively impact self-esteem in various ways, but two significant methods include:

1. Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Media often portrays idealized images of beauty and success, showcasing models and celebrities who meet these unrealistic standards. This can lead individuals, particularly young people, to feel inadequate or inferior when they compare themselves to these images. The constant exposure to airbrushed and digitally altered content can create a distorted sense of self-worth based on appearance, which can diminish self-esteem.

2. Social Comparison and Validation: Social media platforms encourage users to compare their lives to those of others, often leading to negative self-assessment. When individuals see friends or influencers displaying seemingly perfect lives, achievements, and experiences, they may feel pressure to match these portrayals. The dependence on likes and comments for validation can further exacerbate feelings of unworthiness and low self-esteem, especially if users perceive themselves as failing to gain the approval that others appear to enjoy.