How social media influences appearance anxiety among young East Asian women

Abstract

In the age of social media, young women are increasingly influenced by the pervasive standards of beauty presented on various platforms, which often leads to heightened appearance anxiety. This study explores the role social media plays in shaping appearance ideals and its impact on young East Asian women, focusing on how personalized algorithms and the concept of the "symbolic aesthetic" contribute to their self-perception and body image. Drawing on theories such as Social Comparison Theory and Cultivation Theory, this research examines the relationship between social media consumption and appearance anxiety, considering the ways in which these platforms create an environment that amplifies the pressures to conform to narrow beauty standards. Through qualitative interviews with young women, the study highlights the psychological and emotional consequences of the idealized portrayals of beauty on social media, revealing how these images shape societal norms and contribute to feelings of inadequacy.