HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Teens today are known as the selfie generation. Just look at social media, and there's no question that teens today love taking and posting selfies. However, too much fuss over choosing the right selfie to share and too much time spent editing those selfies can be dangerous according to a study in the Journal of Children and Media. The study found that too much focus and obsession over posting selfies can lead to self-objectification in teens-- which basically means when they see themselves as objects to be viewed by others.
"Objectification about yourself as you're posting something of yourself for others to just base you on your physical appearance is very dangerous," said Lauren Roberts, a licensed professional counselor.
Roberts, who works with teens on behavioral issues, says it can lead to disordered eating and also to eating disorders.
"Often times [young people] base their physical appearance on what they're posting on social media, the comments and likes they're getting on social media," she said. "It's most common among girls, but boys also experience this as well based on how many muscles they have or how they appear and look."
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Roberts says parents should monitor their teens' use of social media and communicate with them about it.
"Having that open communication-- I'm not going to overreact; I'm not going to offend you. What I'm going to do is be here to monitor in a way that is healthy and opening up that line of discussion where the child doesn't feel like the parent is taking away all of their independence but that we're working together to make sure they're using social media in a healthy way," she said.