Our teenagers today spend more hours on screens than in real life, and social media has become a mirror through which they view themselves—whether boys or girls. The problem is that this mirror isn’t always honest; it reflects edited images of a perfect world. When teens compare themselves to others, they often lose self-confidence without understanding the real reason.
Likes, comments, and follower counts have become new measures of self-worth, making teens live their lives wondering: How often did others like me? How often did they reject or ignore me?
Dr. Mahmoud Said Al-Naji, Professor of Psychiatry, explains to Sayidaty & Your Child the impact of social media on teen self-confidence and offers guidance for parents to help their children regain genuine self-esteem through 8 practical ideas.
1. Adolescence: The Journey of Identity
Adolescence is a stage of self-discovery, where teens ask:
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Who am I?
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What do I want?
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Am I liked?
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Do I look good?
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Am I successful like others?
Previously, these answers came from family, school, and friends. Today, social media often provides them. Teens measure their value by likes on photos, follower counts, and feel guilty if they don’t get the expected interaction.
2. Social Media Creates the Myth of “Perfection”
One of the most harmful aspects of social media is the illusion of perfection. Teens constantly see people with flawless appearances, perfect smiles, luxurious lifestyles—making them feel inadequate, no matter their achievements.
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Girls may feel less attractive compared to idealized images of celebrities.
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Boys may compare themselves to those flaunting wealth, confidence, or status.
This constant comparison erodes self-confidence and fuels fear of failure, prompting teens to present a false version of themselves to impress others.
3. Comparison: The Confidence Killer
On social media, comparisons never stop. Teens see others’ successes without recognizing the struggles behind the scenes.
Daily comparisons create persistent anxiety:
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Why isn’t my body like theirs?
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Why isn’t my life as exciting?
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Why haven’t I achieved that success?
This can lead to withdrawal, feelings of helplessness, or the opposite—attention-seeking behaviors that can be risky or provocative. Toxic comparisons leave no space for self-love, steadily eroding confidence.
4. Digital Addiction and Dopamine
Likes, follows, and comments are not just notifications—they trigger dopamine release in the brain, creating a sense of reward and pleasure.
The problem: the brain quickly adapts, needing more likes and interactions to feel the same satisfaction, trapping teens in a cycle of:
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Posting more
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Pretending more
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Feeling worse when engagement drops
This digital addiction undermines self-confidence, as teens begin to measure their worth by external validation rather than internal qualities.
5. Cyberbullying Risks
One of social media’s most harmful effects is cyberbullying, which includes mocking comments, hurtful messages, or humiliating photos.
Teens exposed to online bullying may feel shame, isolation, and withdraw from school, friends, or social life. In severe cases, this can lead to internalized anger or self-hatred, weakening self-confidence to dangerous levels.
6. Psychological and Behavioral Signs of Social Media Impact
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Spending long hours on the phone with social isolation
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Frequent selfies seeking perfection
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Mood swings linked to likes or followers
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Complaints about appearance, life, or feelings of inadequacy
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Constant comparison with others
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Decline in academic performance or loss of motivation
7. When Social Media Can Be a Positive Force
Social media isn’t all bad. It can boost confidence if used wisely. Many teens have expressed talents in art, writing, music, or social awareness through these platforms.
Positive engagement or following genuine role models who share both successes and failures helps teens see that they are not alone, and that value comes from how they use the platform—not the platform itself.
8. Parents’ Role: Protecting Teen Self-Confidence
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Create a supportive home: Ensure teens feel accepted and supported at home so they don’t seek validation online.
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Talk openly: Discuss what they see online without criticism, and guide content choices for awareness rather than restriction.
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Show love and attention: Make them feel heard and encourage positive engagement, like sharing helpful content or supporting friends.
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Teach reality: Explain that online life is often edited and incomplete. Encourage them to measure themselves by personal growth, not social interactions. Share your own successes and failures.
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Build internal confidence: Suggest daily affirmations, e.g., writing on the mirror: “I am enough as I am.” This fosters a balanced sense of self in a chaotic digital world.
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