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.”

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.