New study reveals Facebook's impact on teenage girls' self-esteem

By Staff Writer

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, as many as 10 million women are fighting a life-or-death battle with some type of eating disorder. In an effort to uncover the environmental and social factors that cause these negative behaviors, researchers from the University of Haifa in Israel studied Facebook's influence on young women.

The study authors asked 248 Jewish secular adolescent girls between the ages of 12 and 18 about their exposure to the media and their thoughts on personal empowerment. Participants were surveyed on their TV watching, Internet use and magazine reading habits. They were also asked if they desired to be thin as well as their satisfaction - or lack thereof - with their bodies, weight and eating.

The researchers found that the more girls were involved with Facebook, the greater their risk of having a negative body image or eating disorders. In fact, they noted a direct link between the amount of time spent on Facebook and increased issues with eating.

In conclusion, the team suggested that Facebook may increase one's focus on looks, habits and behaviors.