Without Instagram and similar platforms for a week. - Taking a break from social media can enhance self-esteem.
People who don't fit the "perfect" mold resort to using filters to make themselves look better on social media platforms.
A study conducted in Canada by York University's researchers has shown the consequences of this - or rather, how women feel once they're no longer surrounded by this perfection.
Week-long changes
The researchers divided a group of 66 female psychology students into two, with 33 being asked to step away from Facebook, Instagram, and similar platforms for a week. The other group continued with their usual behavior. Prior to the study, all participants were extensively interviewed about their self-esteem and body image. This was repeated post-test week. The result? Significant improvements in self-esteem and view of their own body for the group without social media, while the rest remained unchanged.
Psychologist and co-author of the study, Jennifer Mills, refers to these improvements as significant impacts that aren't commonly seen in psychological research. She points out that these effects are more pronounced among young women.
The impact during the social media detox
Mills believes that two factors are responsible for these changes: firstly, the fact that participants no longer had to compare themselves to other women, which can be incredibly taxing, and secondly, more time spent doing genuine activities. "If we spend less time on social media and instead engage in real-life activities like meeting friends, getting some fresh air, and physical exercise, we could potentially fill the void left by social media," she explains.
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Source: symclub.org
