EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON EXERCISING HABBITS INTEENAGERS

We’ve often spent hours scrolling through our social media aimlessly without even realizing the time.  Any Web site that allows social interaction is considered a social media site, including social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter; gaming sites and virtual worlds such as Club Penguin, Second Life, and the Sims; video sites such as YouTube; and blogs. With teenagers spending every free moment they get on social media its natural that it will have an effect on the way they do their daily activities. The internet now tends to shape everything they act upon.

Technology can serve as both a barrier and a motivator for exercise. On one hand, social media platforms have significantly expanded food choices by providing access to a vast array of recipes and cooking techniques. They also offer a venue for teenagers to showcase the food they eat or prepare, which can inspire others. However, these same platforms can also distract young adults from making positive food choices, as they are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information and images.

The widespread use of social media has allowed fitness influencers like Chloe Ting and Alexis Ren to share their workout routines and healthy living tips with millions of people around the world. During the quarantine period, many young people turned to social media to follow these fitness instructors in the hopes of achieving their ideal physique. This has made various diet and fitness regimes easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection, offering a plethora of options for those looking to get in shape.

However, the pervasive nature of social media can also set unrealistic expectations for teens regarding their bodies. The constant exposure to idealized body images can lead to mental health issues such as body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Teens may feel pressured to conform to these often unattainable standards, which can result in harmful behaviors and a negative self-image. Thus, while social media can be a powerful tool for promoting healthy lifestyles, it is essential to approach it with a critical eye and an awareness of its potential negative impacts on mental health.