BEAUTY STANDARDS AFFECT TEENAGERS NEGATIVELY

Abstract

Modern beauty standards, heavily promoted through social media, advertising, and popular culture, have a profound and often damaging effect on teenagers. During adolescence — a critical period of identity formation and psychological development — young people are particularly vulnerable to unrealistic ideals of physical appearance. This article examines the key negative impacts of beauty standards on teenage mental and physical health, including body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression, and suggests ways to promote a healthier relationship with body image among young people