A Study of the Relationship between Appearance Anxiety and Social Media Influence among Chinese Female High School Students

Yunkun Song; Xiaohui Zhong; Yizhou Gao; Pu Sang

Authors

Yunkun Song Sendelta International Academy, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518129, China Author
Xiaohui Zhong Xinjiang Urumqi Bayi High School, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830002, China Author
Yizhou Gao Singapore Poly, Singapore 33B Low land Rd, Denver, 547430, Singapore Author
Pu Sang Garrison Forest School, Owings Mills, Maryland, 21117, US Author

Keywords:

Chinese female high school students, appearance anxiety, mental health, social media

Abstract

Contemporary Chinese female high school students are confronted with significant issues of appearance anxiety. This anxiety not only negatively impacts their mental health but also has detrimental effects on their academic life. Traditional psychological intervention methods often fail to address the specific challenges posed by the growing issue of appearance anxiety among female high school students, particularly due to their lack of personalization and adaptation to the unique influences of social media. This article aims to explore the mechanisms by which social media influences appearance anxiety in female high school students. Furthermore, through empirical experimentation, it proposes practical and effective intervention policies to assist contemporary Chinese female high school students in overcoming appearance anxiety. The study employs a combined approach of psychological theory and empirical analysis. By collecting and analyzing substantial and reliable data, it examines the correlation between social practices, the frequency of social media use, and appearance anxiety among Chinese female high school students. The findings indicate that female high school students who excessively focus on appearance-related content on social media are more prone to appearance anxiety, while positive social activities can alleviate this anxiety. Surprisingly, under certain circumstances, the rational use of specific healthy social media platforms can even have a positive impact on the mental health of Chinese female high school students.

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