How to Avoid the Self-Esteem Trap of Social Media

By Adam Stone

Imagine a world in which all the other kids are living their most perfect lives. They’re having fun, they’re being clever—and they’re always pretty. Immersed in such a world, how could an “ordinary” child feel anything but inadequate?

Social media presents young people with just such a world. “Humans naturally compare ourselves to others,” says teen life coach Dr. RJ Jackson. “Social media has brought comparison to a completely different level—it really is an unfair level of comparison. Using social media, we can touch up photos, use filters, remove blemishes and always show our best, always appear happy. This gives a child the thought that something is wrong with them, because they aren’t happy all the time, they don’t wake up in the morning looking that good.”

Adam Stone

Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.