Impacto de las redes sociales en el trastorno dismórfico corporal y la autoimagen en adolescentes.

Abstract

The increasing exposure to idealized visual content on social media has raised concerns about its effects on adolescent mental health, particularly in the construction of self-image and the development of symptoms associated with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This study aimed to analyze how uncontrolled use of social media influences self-image and promotes the emergence of symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in adolescents. A descriptive documentary and bibliographic review were conducted through the search for empirical articles and theoretical reviews in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SciELO, and Web of Science, prioritizing publications between 2020 and 2025. The results showed that intensive use of social media, especially visual platforms like Instagram, is associated with greater body dissatisfaction, internalization of unattainable aesthetic ideals, and dependence on external validation. Adolescents with problematic use showed nearly double the likelihood of perceiving their bodies negatively; moreover, appearance-based motivation and exposure to “fitspiration” content enhanced social comparison and body shame upward. The most severe consequences included the risk of self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression. It is concluded that BDD in adolescents constitutes a mental health problem that requires early detection and interventions that strengthen self-esteem, promote critical use of social media, and reduce dependence on external validation.