Shunning social media gives women ego boost

THESE days, it’s hardly surprising that young women struggle with self-esteem. Impressionable teenagers and young adults are constantly bombarded with images of flawless, slender models online.

But experts have discovered that simply taking a week away from social media can have an enormous impact on body image, and young women craving a slim shape may benefit the most.

Researchers from York University in Toronto recruited 66 female undergraduates to take part in a study lasting a week.

Half were randomly assigned to take a break from social media, which included Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) and TikTok, while the other half were told to continue their normal use.

All completed surveys before and after the study took place, which covered topics such as body image and self-esteem.

Analysis revealed that those who took the break reported having higher body satisfaction and higher self-esteem than those who used social media as normal.