La influencia de los medios de comunicación en la dismorfia corporal en adolescentes mujeres.

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, the digital enhancement of idealized body images has been associated with psychological phenomena such as social comparison, internalization of beauty standards, and self-objectification. This issue is particularly relevant in adolescence, as it is a key stage in identity formation and the pursuit of social acceptance. Objective: This study analyzes the influence of the media on the development of dysmorphic symptoms in adolescent girls, considering the psychological mechanisms involved. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted, selecting research articles from 2019 to 2025 found in the Scopus, Taylor & Francis, and PubMed databases, using the following keywords: media, social networks, female adolescents, self-image, media impact, and mental health. Results: The review suggests that some digital media feature stylized body models through the use of edited or filtered images. This content can contribute to processes of upward social comparison and the internalization of body ideals, which, in some instances, is associated with body dissatisfaction and self-image distortion resembling dysmorphic symptoms. Conclusion: Digital platforms do not operate in a neutral or disinterested manner; on the contrary, they foster specific psychological processes, such as social evaluation, self-objectification, and the adoption of aesthetic standards. These processes can intensify during puberty, a critical time in identity formation and social interaction.