A Literature Review: The Impact of TikTok and Instagram on Adolescents’ Body Image, Self-Esteem, Disordered Eating Behavior, and Social Media Addiction
Project by Polygence alum Victoria
Project's result
My project resulted in many outcomes. First, I wrote a research paper examining the impact of TikTok and Instagram on adolescents' body image, self-esteem, disordered eating behaviors, and social media addiction, which was published in the Curieux Academic Journal. Second, I created a website and blog, Vicky's Corner, where I share research findings, resources, and personal insights to raise awareness about teen mental health and the effects of social media on young people. Additionally, I plan to present my research at the Polygence Symposium in September 2026, allowing me to share my findings with a broader audience and engage in discussions about adolescent mental health and social media.
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Summary
Abstract: Social media platforms have become integral to the daily lives of adolescents in the United States. Many studies have revealed a negative correlation between social media use and body image perceptions among adolescents. Some studies fail to distinguish different social media platforms, treating them as identical despite their unique features and target audiences. However, each platform's specific algorithm and culture impact user behavior and content consumption differently. This literature review aims to directly compare how TikTok and Instagram differ in their effects on adolescents' body image and mental health. PubMed and Internet web pages were used as search engines. After reviewing 68 articles, 18 articles published or posted on websites within the last 10 years were summarized in this paper. Eight articles focused on the impact of social media on adolescents’ body image, self-esteem, and eating disorders. Two articles focused on social media addiction prevalence in the adolescent population and interventions to be considered for social media harm reduction. Eight articles provided background information on the general topic. The current literature indicates a troubling correlation between excessive TikTok and Instagram use and heightened body dissatisfaction, with many users reporting pressure to conform to idealized beauty standards perpetuated by online content. Interventions and recommendations to combat the negative effects of social media on adolescents are also discussed.
Keywords: Body image, TikTok, Instagram, self-esteem, eating disorders, social media addiction
Tina
Polygence mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Subjects
Business, Psychology
Expertise
psychology, policy, mental health, Asian American identity, activism
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Victoria
Student
Hi! My name is Victoria Vu, and my project explores ***The Impact of TikTok and Instagram on Adolescents’ Body Image, Self-Esteem, Disordered Eating Behaviors, and Social Media Addiction.*** I chose this topic because I am passionate about raising awareness of teen mental health and understanding how social media influences young people's well-being, especially because of my own experiences with it. Through this research and my blog, *Vicky’s Corner*, I strive to make mental health information more accessible and relatable by combining research findings, professional perspectives, and personal experiences. My goal is to encourage meaningful conversations about the challenges teenagers face today and help others feel more informed, supported, and understood. Check out my blog here! [https://vickyscorner.com/](https://vickyscorner.com/)
Graduation Year
2027
Project review
“Polygence provided me with a great platform to explore and express my passion for teen mental health. Through my project, I was able to conduct meaningful research, develop my writing and critical thinking skills, and create a blog that connects academic research with real-world experiences. The process challenged me to think more deeply about the impact of social media on adolescents and strengthened my ability to communicate complex topics in an accessible way. Overall, the experience was both rewarding and educational, and it allowed me to grow as a researcher, writer, and advocate for mental health awareness.”
About my mentor
“Tina was a supportive mentor and provided helpful guidance during our meetings. One area for improvement was flexibility in communication and support outside of scheduled meeting times. While she was generally prepared, there were occasions when she reviewed my research paper during the meeting itself, which reduced the amount of time available for discussion and feedback. As a result, I sometimes felt that our meeting time could have been used more efficiently.”
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