Cutting Back on Social Media, Can Improve Teens', Self-Image, Study Suggests.<br />'New York Post' reports that a recent study found that some <br />teenagers' body images "significantly" improved within <br />weeks of halving the time they spent on social media. .<br />'New York Post' reports that a recent study found that some <br />teenagers' body images "significantly" improved within <br />weeks of halving the time they spent on social media. .<br />According to a study from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern <br />Ontario Research Institute, after just three weeks, teens<br />felt better about their weight and overall appearance.<br />The researchers, who partnered with the American <br />Psychological Association, chose 220 undergrad <br />students between 17 and 25 years old.<br />The participants all spent at least <br />two hours a day on social media and <br />had signs of depression or anxiety.<br />Social media can expose users <br />to hundreds or even thousands <br />of images and photos every day, <br />including those of celebrities <br />and fashion or fitness models, Gary Goldfield, lead study author, via 'New York Post'.<br />[This] leads to an internalization <br />of beauty ideals that are unattainable <br />for almost everyone, resulting <br />in greater dissatisfaction <br />with body weight and shape, Gary Goldfield, lead study author, via 'New York Post'.<br />Reducing social media use is a feasible <br />method of producing a short-term <br />positive effect on body image <br />among a vulnerable population, Gary Goldfield, lead study author, via 'New York Post'.<br />'New York Post' reports that 76% of the study's <br />participants were women, 23% were<br />men and 1% identified as "other.".<br />Participants who cut their media time to <br />60 minutes per day were found to show <br />vastly improved self-image.<br />According to the study researchers, teens spend <br />an average of between six and eight hours a day <br />on screens, a majority of that time on social media
