Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Controversy and Mechanism Analysis of the Association Between Social Media Use and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Adolescents

Yanuo WangKing’s College London*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Adolescence is a sensitive period for identity formation and peer evaluation. Teenagers are exposed to idealised and digitally altered content that perpetuates limited standards of attractiveness due to the growth of image-centric platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), affecting about 2.2% of adolescents, involves a persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws and is linked to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. This study examines the available data and makes the case that appearance-focused behaviours, such as obsessive feedback monitoring, filter dependence, and selfie editing, are more responsible for the link between social media and BDD than overall screen time. It highlight a “filter paradox”: beautification tools can provide short-term relief while increasing long-term vulnerability by widening the gap between the “digital self” and the “mirror self.” By combining cognitive-behavioral models, social comparison, and objectification, we suggest a mechanism through which exposure to in dealized imagery promotes self-objectification, upward comparison, and biases attention towards perceived flaws, all of which reinforce safety behaviours and sustain symptoms. By highlighting variations in samples, measurements, and overlooked modifiers, we resolve contradictory results. Platform-level disclosures, algorithmic diversity, and therapeutic approaches aimed at promoting digital safety behaviours are among the ramifications. We list the top goals for studies that focus on mechanisms and test BDD specifically.

Keywords: Adolescents; Social Media; Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD); Self-Objectification; Filter Paradox
Published: October 23, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.BJ28240
Volume: CHR Vol.79
pp. 74-80
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