Understanding Body Image Issues Among Young Pakistani Adults in the Age of Social Media

Social media has become a pervasive influence on individuals' perceptions of body image, particularly among youth. This systematic review explores the relationship between social media usage and body image concerns in the Pakistani context, analyzing findings from 21 studies conducted between 2019 and 2024. The results highlight a strong association between excessive social media exposure and negative outcomes such as body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and social physique anxiety. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify appearance-related comparisons and unrealistic beauty standards, leading to heightened self-consciousness, low self-esteem, and internalization of the thin-ideal. Gender differences reveal young women are more vulnerable to these effects. Furthermore, cultural dynamics, such as stigmas around weight, height, and complexion, exacerbate the negative psychological impacts. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions, digital literacy programs, and awareness campaigns to mitigate the detrimental effects of social media on body image and mental health.