Social Media Filters: A Hidden Danger to Teen Mental Health
News Desk
Islamabad: Experts have raised alarm over the detrimental effects of excessive use of social media filters on teenagers’ mental health, warning that such practices can lead to depression and anxiety.
They emphasized the need for parents to be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities to promote a healthy self-image.
During a conversation on a private news channel, social media expert Muhammad Hussain discussed the growing concerns regarding social media’s impact on the mental well-being of teenagers.
He specifically highlighted the dangers posed by beauty filters, explaining that their frequent use can foster low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and anxiety among adolescents.
Another expert noted that editing selfies or using filters to alter one’s appearance can distort an individual’s perception of themselves. Such practices lead to unrealistic images, making users perceive themselves as ‘perfected’ rather than authentic, which can create a disconnect between their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This, in turn, fosters a distorted sense of self.
Hussain called on parents and guardians to adopt a proactive approach in addressing these risks. He stressed the importance of being aware of the potential harms and suggested that parents actively monitor their children’s social media engagement to reduce these negative effects.
“Teenage girls, in particular, are vulnerable to the negative consequences of beauty filters on social media,” said Hussain. “These filters create unattainable beauty standards, leading to a warped perception of self-image and a constant feeling of inadequacy.”
He further emphasized that the relentless need for external validation through likes and comments on social media can significantly damage teenagers’ mental health. Hussain urged parents and guardians to foster open dialogues with their children about the risks associated with social media and to promote a healthy body image.
“Rather than focusing solely on capturing pictures or confiscating their phones, parents should spend quality time with their children,” Hussain advised.
“Engaging in outdoor activities such as going to the park, playing sports, or simply having meaningful conversations can strengthen the parent-child bond, helping reduce their dependency on social media for validation and entertainment.”
By encouraging healthy and balanced interactions both online and offline, experts hope to mitigate the harmful effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health and foster a more positive and grounded sense of self.
