Social Media Drives Body Dissatisfaction, Mental Health Issues in Bangladeshi Youth

A recent study by ATM Morsalin Chowdhury and Wahid bin Ahsan, published in Userhub Journal, investigates the relationship between social media use and its effects on body image and mental health among young people in Bangladesh. Focusing on popular platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, the study reveals how these visual platforms contribute to body dissatisfaction, particularly among young women, and how this dissatisfaction is closely linked to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction

The study found that social media significantly influences body image perceptions, with young women aged 15-18 being most affected. Around 13.47% of female participants expressed dissatisfaction with their bodies, feeling pressure to edit their photos to match the idealized beauty standards they encountered online. In comparison, while males also experienced social media-driven pressures to appear fit and confident, their level of dissatisfaction was less pronounced. These findings reflect the disproportionate burden placed on females by social comparison and unrealistic beauty standards prevalent on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

Mental Health and Self-Worth

Mental health outcomes were strongly tied to body image concerns. Participants dissatisfied with their bodies were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. For many youth, self-worth became linked to social media validation through likes and comments. While 51.72% of males and 34.78% of females reported good mental health, females were more likely to experience mental health challenges, corresponding with their greater body image dissatisfaction. The emotional toll of maintaining a curated online image was described as “exhausting” by several participants, who felt their happiness fluctuated based on social media feedback.

Cyberbullying and Peer Pressure

Cyberbullying was another critical factor affecting body image and mental health. About 34.6% of participants reported receiving negative comments or body-shaming messages online. These harmful interactions exacerbated feelings of inadequacy, leading some to withdraw from social media or experience a decline in self-esteem. The pressure to conform to social media standards and negative peer feedback had a particularly profound effect on younger participants.

Recommendations for Positive Social Media Engagement

To address the negative impacts of social media on body image and mental health, the study recommends several strategies. Media literacy programs are essential to help young people critically evaluate the content they encounter online and resist unhealthy comparison habits. Body positivity campaigns should be promoted, encouraging the celebration of diverse body types and self-acceptance, while challenging narrow beauty standards.

Family engagement is also crucial, as open discussions about body image can help alleviate the pressures young people face online. By fostering supportive environments at home, parents can guide youth in developing healthier relationships with social media.

Conclusion

This study provides vital insights into the complex ways social media shapes body image and mental health among Bangladeshi youth. It underscores the need for immediate intervention through media literacy education, body positivity movements, and family support to combat the harmful effects of social media. Particularly for young women, who face disproportionate pressures in appearance-driven online environments, these interventions are critical to promoting mental well-being and self-confidence.

For more details, read the full study here​.