Teen's Confidence At Risk From Selfie Dysmorphia

I
rarely compare myself to others, but when my selfies get 'likes' and compliments, I feel really happy. But if someone says I don't look pretty, I feel really down."
This candid confession from Nadia (not her real name), a 15-year-old, underscores the growing impact of selfies on teenagers' self-esteem, particularly through social media.
What troubles Nadia most is her preference to present herself authentically—without filters—unlike many others who enhance their appearance for online validation.
'…so when someone criticises my photo for not looking good, I get even more stressed,' she told Bernama, adding that such remarks intensify her desire to look 'perfect.'
Nadia's situation is far from isolated. Experts say social media is increasingly shaping society's standards of beauty and success, despite the understanding that much of what is posted is neither real nor realistic.
They warn that cases like Nadia's may lead to selfie dysmorphia—a condition in which individuals develop distorted perceptions of their appearance due to an obsession with posting selfies online.
A WORRYING PHENOMENON
Psychologist Dr Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai explains that selfie dysmorphia arises when individuals frequently compare their appearance to the 'ideal' images seen on social media.
"These images are often unrealistic due to editing, which can leave teenagers feeling dissatisfied with their natural appearance," he told Bernama.
Dr Abdul Rahman, a Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the Research Centre for Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, added that the intense need for attention and validation through 'likes' can create overwhelming social pressure for teens.
"Social reactions such as 'likes' and positive comments significantly affect teens' self-esteem. They feel valued when they receive attention, but may feel inferior when they don't get the validation they seek," he explained.
Over time, selfie dysmorphia can develop into more severe mental health issues such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) — a psychological condition where individuals obsess over perceived physical flaws that are often minor or imagined.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2022 revealed that nearly 20 per cent of teens active on social media showed early signs of BDD, with most linking dissatisfaction with their appearance to frequent photo-taking and editing.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Abdul Rahman noted that the constant pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards—particularly those set by social media—poses a serious threat to adolescent emotional well-being.
"This can lead to depression, heightened anxiety, and a sense of isolation. When teens are unable to achieve the ideal image they aspire to, it can trigger significant psychological distress that may require professional intervention," he said.
He also warned that teens trapped in the cycle of selfie dysmorphia may be at risk of developing eating disorders, low self-esteem, and deterioration in social and academic functioning. In extreme cases, an obsession with appearance may even lead some to undergo cosmetic procedures at a young age.
A recent study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) found that over 50 per cent of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures cited social media influence as the primary motivation behind their decision.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS
Echoing these concerns, Associate Professor Dr Shuhaida Md Noor from the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, said social media algorithms play a significant role in deepening individuals' obsession with self-image.
"These algorithms curate content based on user interests, creating a social bubble that reinforces specific perspectives and lifestyles.
"For instance, if a teenager is interested in beauty, they will be repeatedly shown similar content, which heightens the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards,' she explained.
Dr Shuhaida warned that this phenomenon traps teens in a continuous content loop, triggering social comparison as they measure themselves against carefully curated images of idealised figures.
She also linked the issue to consumerist culture, where individuals spend excessively on beauty and fashion products in the hope of enhancing their appearance and gaining approval on social media.
"With constant exposure to such content, it's not surprising that some teens may develop BDD, especially when cosmetic or fashion efforts fail to deliver the 'perfect' results they seek," she added.
IMPROVING EDUCATION AND MEDIA SYSTEMS
To address the growing concern of selfie dysmorphia, Dr Abdul Rahman stressed the importance of strengthening support systems both at school and at home. He urged parents and teachers to be more attuned to behavioural changes in teenagers.
He recommended proactive steps such as media literacy education to equip children with the skills to navigate digital platforms wisely, alongside limiting screen time.
"Teach them about the influence of social media. With open communication and education in schools, we can help teens identify the negative effects of social media before they escalate into serious problems," he said.
In managing selfie dysmorphia, support from mental health professionals—including counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists—is vital, particularly when teens begin to show signs of emotional distress related to body image.
"Teens need access to therapy and counselling when facing such pressure. In addition to individual treatment, peer support groups are also essential. They must understand that they are not alone in dealing with this challenge," he added.
Dr Abdul Rahman emphasised that selfie dysmorphia is not merely a personal issue, but a broader social challenge that demands a collective and multi-layered response.
"We must approach this issue from all angles—starting with the home, extending to schools, communities, media, and technology. Only by working together can we create a healthier environment for adolescents," he explained.
He also called on the media to play a more responsible role in reshaping beauty standards, which are often misrepresented.
"Media outlets should stop promoting unrealistic images and instead provide more space for natural and positive representations," he said.
IS THERE A POSITIVE SIDE?
Dr Shuhaida concurred with the concerns raised but noted that selfie culture isn't entirely negative—provided it is approached mindfully. She emphasised the need for critical media literacy, where teens are educated to understand how algorithms operate and how to manage the content they consume.
"Media literacy is essential so teenagers can distinguish between healthy and unhelpful content," she said.
She also highlighted the importance of guiding teens toward positive use of social media, such as for educational purposes or skill development, which can foster self-confidence independent of external validation.
"In fact, selfie culture can bring positive outcomes if practised healthily. Through selfies, teens can explore and build their identity—without being confined by societal beauty standards," she explained.
"Selfies offer a platform for self-expression, and this can be part of a valuable learning process—as long as teens avoid becoming consumed by external influences," she added.
Dr Shuhaida stressed that parents play a vital role in helping teens accept themselves and focus on their strengths.
"With the support of parents, schools, and media literacy education, teenagers can develop a strong and healthy sense of self—free from social pressures," she said.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Barnama

24 minutes ago

• Barnama

Japanese Startup Test Kit Shows Promise In Early Cancer Detection

TOKYO, June 22 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- A urine-based cancer risk screening kit developed by a Japanese startup is showing promise in detecting cancer at the earliest stage using non-invasive means, Kyodo News Agency reported. The test kit from Craif Inc., a spin-off from Nagoya University founded in 2018, can also be used to assess simultaneously whether a person is at risk from any of up to seven types of cancer. The product, which does not require a blood test, was able to detect changes in pre-malignant cells among residents of Hokkaido towns in northern Japan to whom the company distributed 100 sets of the "miSignal" test kit free of charge in the year through March 2025. bootstrap slideshow "We were able to detect and treat cancer that was difficult to find by X-ray," said Tatsuya Kato, a professor at the Hokkaido University Hospital, adding the kits would be vital in places such as Hokkaido, where medical resources are sparse. The kit can be used to detect microRNA, a biomarker known for its link to early cancer biology, in a small amount of urine and help screen the risks of cancer in the lungs, colon and pancreas, among others. Results of the survey using the test kits were announced at an annual meeting of the Japanese Association for Chest Surgery in May. Among those aged 60 or older who had not taken a lung cancer test for five years or more, a tumour was detected in the lungs of a woman in her 60s that led to a detailed examination and successful surgery. The tumour was diagnosed as a "Stage 0" adenocarcinoma in situ. Precancerous cells in the colon and pancreas were also detected among six people in the survey, according to the company. In Japan, it is estimated that one in two people would develop cancer in their lifetime, while one in four men and one in six women will die from the disease, according to statistics of the National Cancer Centre Japan.

Sinar Daily

2 hours ago

• Sinar Daily

65-year-old woman sets record, donates blood 580 times to save lives

Driven by the determination to prevent others from going through the same ordeal, the 65-year-old does not mind making the trip to the National Blood Centre in Jalan Tun Razak every two weeks, all in the name of saving more lives. 22 Jun 2025 11:08am A blood donor's contribution is life changing, as it offers hope to those in need. Photo by Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - The struggle of finding O+ blood donors for her mother, who needed a transfusion after undergoing abdominal surgery nearly five decades ago, was a turning point for Chin Jeck Leng to become a dedicated blood donor. Driven by the determination to prevent others from going through the same ordeal, the 65-year-old does not mind making the trip to the National Blood Centre in Jalan Tun Razak every two weeks, all in the name of saving more lives. The former head of Human Resource Management at a local bank has donated blood an astounding 580 times, an extraordinary achievement that not only earned her widespread recognition but also made her the first woman in the country to receive the prestigious Medal for Life award. Driven by the determination to prevent others from going through the same ordeal, Chin Jeck Leng does not mind making the trip to the National Blood Centre in Jalan Tun Razak every two weeks, all in the name of saving more lives. Photo by Bernama "I was still a child during that surgery in 1980 and not eligible to donate. It was challenging to find donors among family and relatives, as not many were willing to give blood. "And the only person willing to donate was my neighbour, who asked for payment. That was when I realised how vital the sacrifice of a blood donor truly is, as it offers hope to those in need. After all, blood is something money can't buy,' she said. She spoke to reporters after receiving the award at the national-level World Blood Donor Day appreciation ceremony and the silver jubilee celebration of the National Blood Centre recently, which Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated. The Kuantan, Pahang native, who began donating blood at 18, said she remains in good health and free from any illnesses to this day. She expressed hope that more people, especially the younger generation, would come forward to become blood donors. Meanwhile, Anugerah Delima recipient Norhasri Mohamad Jadi, 44, has been donating blood since he was 28 due to a traumatic childhood experience. He was involved in a road accident at the age of three and suffered severe blood recalled that his family was returning to Kuala Lumpur from their hometown in Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan when the vehicle skidded while trying to avoid a lorry. Anugerah Delima recipient Norhasri Mohamad Jadi, 44, has been donating blood since he was 28 due to a traumatic childhood experience. Photo by Bernama "That's why I decided to become a blood donor. I realised just how life-changing a donor's contribution can be,' he said, adding that the crash left his right arm and leg permanently impaired. The O+ e-hailing driver has donated blood 99 times and was the only blood donor with a disability to receive an award at the ceremony. The Anugerah Delima is awarded to individuals who have made between 76 and 100 apheresis donations, where only specific components of the blood are collected and the rest of the blood is returned to the donor's body during the same session, or 31 to 40 whole blood donations.- BERNAMA

Barnama

3 hours ago

• Barnama

Perak Targets Enforcing Vape Sales Ban In Oct

IPOH, June 22 (Bernama) -- The state government is targeting the banning of electronic cigarettes or vapes sales in October throughout Perak. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said a working paper on the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN). 'We have instructed the Perak JKN led by its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha to ensure that this working paper can be completed as soon as possible. 'The working paper will also be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) to decide on its enforcement, which I am targeting around October,' he said. He said this when met after officiating the Orthopedic Symposium Programme: Latest Developments and Best Practices in the Orthopedic Field organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at the Kinta River Front Hotel here, today. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad explained that the state government is comprehensively examining the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak. Saarani said the matter had been raised in the MMK but there were several matters that needed to be comprehensively refined. Meanwhile, Sivanesan said that although he admitted that the action would cause uneasiness among vape operators, it would benefit the people overall, especially in terms of health. "We are ready (for complaints) about this matter and for us what is good for the people we will continue," he said.