Research shows that adolescents feel more vulnerable on the internet, but do not perceive emotional impact
Social networks have become part of the daily life of adolescents, but a new study reveals that girls more intensely feel the emotional impacts of Instagram, Tiktok and other platforms. Although they realize negative effects, such as aesthetic pressure and constant comparison, many still maintain a neutral view of networking, which can make it difficult to recognize signs of suffering.
Published in March na And conducted by scholars at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain, the research came to this conclusion after applying a poll to 1,043 teenagers, aged 12 to 18, seeking to evaluate the perception of the impact of networks in various aspects of life, with questions that had a score from 1 to 5, from the most negative to the most positive.
“Several studies show that girls are more exposed to content that involves body image, appearance, relationships, and all this is quite sensitive at this age. In addition, they tend to be more self -criticism and can more clearly what they are feeling.”says psychologist Bianca Dalmaso, from Einstein Hospital Israelita.
In general, research shows that adolescents, both boys and girls, have a neutral perception of the impact of networks: while perceiving negative aspects such as image pressure and physical appearance, positive points would help compensate for negatives. In the considered good aspects, the highest scores were given to group organization capacity and the feeling of belonging, the welfare has the lower notes.
However, this neutral way of seeing social networks can disrupt a more critical view of their impact on life itself. “Although they have some consciousness, this more neutral answer [dos adolescentes da pesquisa] It can hide a certain accommodation, as if the benefits automatically compensate the risks, reducing the critical look ”says the psychologist.
Lack of criticism can impair the ability to identify signs of suffering linked to the daily use of platforms. “When comparison, excessive exposure or validation dependence become part of the routine, these impacts are no longer perceived as problematic and are normalized.”says neuropsychologist Ana Lucia Karasin, also from Einstein.
Intense exhibition
Intense exposure on social networks can increase the risk of anxiety, image distortions and even depressive symptoms, as well as deep emotional impacts, especially at a time when identity is still being built.
For Dalmaso, when use is automatic, without reflection, several risks appear:
“For example, the constant search for likes can become a way to measure their own value. In addition, over comparison with others can affect self -esteem, cause anxiety and even disrupt school sleep or performance. It also has the risk of normalizing certain toxic content – as unrealistic beauty patterns or aggressive discourses – without even realizing it.”
For Karasin, there is still an emotional overload associated with this hypervigilance on the image itself. “Girls not only consume more aesthetics -related content, but they also feel more pressured to perform an ideal version of themselves in the networks. This constant, even silent charge can generate a continuous warning state, affecting self -esteem, spontaneity and even the bond with one’s own body.”it says.
It is also noteworthy that automatic use can compromise the ability to set limits. “Without realizing it, adolescents spend hours immersed in content that does not always do well and this affects from humor to the quality of face -to -face relationships. In addition, the lack of reflection makes it difficult for them to identify when it is time to pause and undo digital connections that feed insecurities or feelings of inadequacy.”Knee Karasin.
Conscious use of networks
It is possible to use social networks more consciously to reduce negative impacts for both adolescents and parents. In the case of the younger ones, it is worth reflecting on what they are consuming and how it makes them feel. Simple questions like “Why do I follow this profile?” or “How do I feel after rolling the feed?” They can help identify content that causes unnecessary comparison or pressure. It is also important to recognize the time to take a break and remember that what appears on the networks is just a clipping, not reality.
For parents, the main recommendation is to maintain an open dialogue, without judgments or sermons, showing genuine interest in what children see, follow and share. Also, giving the example is critical: when adults balance their own screens, they help children understand, in practice, that the offline world also needs attention. “Create offline family moments, proposing outdoor activities, all reinforces that the most important connection is not Wi-Fi, but among people”says Bianca Dalmaso.
And remember: being present is not just supervising and controlling what the child or adolescent accesses. “It is important to offer safe space for children to talk about their digital experiences without fear of being punished or even misunderstood”Lembra Karasin.
With information from the agency Einstein.
