Growing Up in Cyberspace (English)
IN THIS LESSON
In this episode, Paul Robertson explores the complex pursuit of the "perfect selfie" and its psychological effects, particularly on teenage girls. He discusses how social media encourages the creation of a curated, idealized version of oneself that leads to anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and unhealthy perfectionism. Robertson highlights the growing issue of "selfie dysmorphia" and the increasing pressures to present a flawless image online. He also offers practical advice for adults to help young people navigate the digital world, emphasizing the importance of reducing social media dependency and fostering real-life connections.
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Selfie - by Will Storr’s Book
Highlights the cultural obsession with perfectionism and challenges the notion that we can be anything we want, emphasizing the limits of our identity.Dr. David Elkind's Concept – Personal Fable
Describes the adolescent belief of being the center of attention, which has been amplified by social media’s role in shaping personal narratives.Dr. Gordon Flett’s Phenomenon – Perfectionist Presentation – Explains how people on social media curate idealized versions of themselves, leading to comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
Dr. Leonard Sax’s Concept – Anorexia of the Soul – Describes the psychological emptiness that can result from excessive focus on appearance and online personas.
Study by York University (Toronto, Canada) – Shows how posting selfies, even with retouching, leads to increased anxiety and decreased self-esteem in young women.
Dr. Madeline Levine's Term – Maladaptive Perfectionism – Explains the need to appear flawless and avoid failure, which fuels stress and dissatisfaction in youth.