The Analysis of Causes and Effects of Negative Body Image in Adolescent Girls in the U.S

This study focused on the factors that are responsible for causing negative body image in adolescent girls in the United States (U.S) and its effect on them. The qualitative methods of data collection with the help of constant comparison method and content analysis were adopted. A combination of social media platforms such as online blogs and articles were surveyed to facilitate the study. The theoretical framework of this study was built on the Dramaturgy theory with a focus on appearance management and identity related issues in adolescent girls. The findings of this study indicated that excessive exposure to and usage of social media, and the expectation to achieve unrealistic beauty standards set by the society has a negative effect on adolescent girls. It was also found that excessive social media usage can cause low self-image, low self-esteem, negative body image, depression and eating disorders in adolescent girls.