HOW BEAUTY STANDARDS NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUNG PEOPLE.

By Abigael Ngina 

Beauty standards have a huge impact on young people today. Everywhere they look, on social media, TV, movies, and even in advertisements, they see images of “perfect” bodies, flawless skin, and idealized faces. These images are often edited or filtered, but many young people don’t realize that. They start comparing themselves to what they see online, believing they are not good enough if they don’t look the same.

This constant comparison can harm self-esteem and confidence. Young people may begin to focus more on appearance than on their talents, hobbies, or personal growth. They might avoid social events, feel anxious about how they look, or even hide themselves in oversized clothes. Over time, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or even depression.

Beauty standards can also encourage unhealthy behaviors. Some young people might diet too strictly, over-exercise, or use harmful products to try to match the images they see. Instead of focusing on health, happiness, or individuality, they feel pressured to fit into a narrow definition of beauty.

Another problem is that these standards often exclude diversity. They usually favor certain skin tones, body shapes, or hair types, making those who don’t fit the ideal feel invisible or less valued. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and appreciated for who they are, not judged against unrealistic ideals.

In my opinion, beauty should be about confidence, self-love, and embracing what makes each person unique. Society needs to challenge narrow beauty standards and celebrate diversity so that young people can grow up feeling proud of themselves. By focusing on individuality instead of comparison, young people can learn that real beauty comes from being themselves, not trying to meet impossible expectations.