The Influence of Social Media on Teenagers by: Eden Garver

This year, I had the pleasure of mentoring Eden Garver, a junior at Chester Academy whose goal is to become a clinical therapist specializing in eating disorders. It is always an honor to support the professional growth of young people passionate about

making a difference in the mental health field. Throughout her internship, Eden observed

clinical sessions, participated in supervision, and gained insight into the complexities of therapeutic work.

As a final component of her experience, I encouraged Eden to write a blog post exploring body image and eating disorders through the lens of a 17-year-old navigating today’s culture. What she shared is both insightful and powerful. A meaningful reflection on the pressures teens face and the importance of speaking honestly about mental health.

Social media and the internet’s influence on teenagers is more pronounced than ever before. In a society so focused on body image and food, influencers promoting their ideas surrounding health can quickly lead teens down a path of misinformation. One’s sense of self can become warped when absorbed in these fabricated ideals. There’s also the harmful side of social media: shaming certain body types or promoting unsustainable practices to lose or gain weight. A vast collection of knowledge is available to this generation, causing an inevitable cycle of deception becoming intertwined with fact. 

On its own, it’s hard enough navigating life as a teenager— managing school, balancing work, and deciphering the path to college. When body image and comparison are thrown into the mix, adolescence becomes even more complex. It is vital to understand the vulnerability of this period in life, when it feels like everything you do is going to affect you in the long run. The pressure is palpable. 

In my own experience, comparison plays a massive role in an eating disorder and can determine whether or not someone decides to give in to disordered thoughts. When all your friends and people you love are posting pictures and experiences online, it can be hard to remember that they are only sharing their highlights. 

When living with a disordered mindset, one’s body is carefully studied and calculated, along with every choice surrounding food and exercise. Feelings of shame and guilt can flood your everyday thoughts, and you become prone to comparing yourself to others and feeling less than. When you consider that, someone who has an eating disorder might also experience a bombarding sensation of overwhelm or anxiety when scrolling online. There are so many factors to be aware of, but a few of the most common I’ve noticed include: (1) the glamorization of weight loss, (2) the constant critique of others’ bodies, and (3) a blatant lack of transparency from people with social media platforms. 

Your body is what carries you through life, it is what gets you from point A to point B. That being said, prioritizing your health and overall well being is vastly important, and should not be subjugated to the opinions of others. If you begin to notice changes in your focus or energy, looking into nutrition, environmental factors, stress, sleep, etc. may be of great value to you. Because our bodies tie into every aspect of our lives, it only makes sense to treat them with care. Your health is reflected in how your body functions, not your weight. Choose to support your body, not shrink it for the approval of others. 

That being said, the critique and judgment of others’ bodies has become very normalized online, and it’s something I see more and more each year. This often leads to a rise in “weight loss journey” content, posted simply for the aesthetic of being thinner. This can be incredibly damaging for someone with disordered eating or thoughts, because it perpetuates the false notion that being thin is more valuable than honoring your body’s needs. 

Finally, the lack of transparency from social media users is increasingly common. Curating a glorified virtual lifestyle can come across as shallow or superficial. It often ends up projecting the idea that perfection exists, and that if you don’t have it, you’re doing something wrong. That’s not to say people shouldn’t share their highlights if they’re proud of them, but we all need to be more aware of the implications of our posts. It’s also important to note that viewers play a role in this system too. We have to remember that most people don’t post the downsides of their lives, and that everyone has struggles, even if they aren’t open about them. 

In conclusion, taking space from social media, especially if you struggle with an eating disorder, or even just in general can greatly improve your quality of life. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the content you’re seeing online, consider stepping back and finding new ways to spend your time. Enjoy the benefits the internet can offer, but remember to apply balance to this aspect of life whenever you can.

BIO (about the author)

Eden Garver is a 17-year-old junior at Chester Academy with a strong interest in becoming a clinical therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. This path resonates deeply with Eden due to her own personal experiences and the knowledge she’s gained through recovery and support from those around her. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Eden enjoys listening to music, attending concerts, and spending time watching movies with her family and friends. Her passion, insight, and openness continue to inspire.