A study by York University in Toronto with 66 female undergraduate students reveals that a one-week break from social media leads to higher body satisfaction and self-esteem, especially among women with ‘thin-ideal internalization’. Led by Psychology Professor Jennifer Mills, the research emphasizes the importance of periodically disconnecting from social media for improved mental health and body perception.
Researchers at York University in Toronto conducted a study involving 66 female undergraduate students to explore the effects of a one-week break from social media on body image and self-esteem. The participants, divided into two groups, either ceased using platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for a week or continued their usual social media activities. Before and after the experiment, all participants completed surveys regarding their body image and self-esteem.
The study revealed that those who took a social media break reported higher body satisfaction and self-esteem compared to those who did not. The positive effects were particularly notable among women who initially had a high level of ‘thin-ideal internalization’ – the belief that being slim or underweight is the ideal body type.
The findings, published in the journal Body Image, highlight the significant influence of social media on young women’s body image. This research, led by Psychology Professor Jennifer Mills, underscores the potential benefits of taking breaks from social media to improve mental health and body perception.
