Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2020)

The rise of social media has transformed how individuals perceive themselves and others. This review investigates the impact of social media platforms on self-esteem and body image, focusing on adolescents and young adults. Drawing on recent empirical studies and psychological theories, the paper explores mechanisms such as social comparison, appearance-focused content, and engagement with influencers. The findings highlight both positive and negative consequences, with the negative effects-particularly related to body dissatisfaction and lowered self-esteem-being more prominent. Recommendations for intervention strategies and future research directions are provided.