Out of the loop: Taking a one-week break from social media leads to better self-esteem and body image among young women - ScienceDirect

• Young women were asked to not use social media for one week or continue normal use. • Taking a break from social media caused improved self-esteem and body satisfaction. • More benefit to body image was seen in those with high thin ideal internalization. Young women were asked to not use social media for one week or continue normal use. Taking a break from social media caused improved self-esteem and body satisfaction. More benefit to body image was seen in those with high thin ideal internalization. This study experimentally tested the effects of taking a one-week break from social media (SM) on body image and self-esteem among young women. Female undergraduate students (N = 66) were randomly assigned to either take a one-week break from SM or continue their normal use (control condition). State self-esteem and body satisfaction were measured at baseline (Time 1) and one week later (Time 2). As predicted, participants in the break condition reported higher body satisfaction and

• Young women were asked to not use social media for one week or continue normal use. • Taking a break from social media caused improved self-esteem and body satisfaction. • More benefit to body image was seen in those with high thin ideal internalization. Young women were asked to not use social media for one week or continue normal use. Taking a break from social media caused improved self-esteem and body satisfaction. More benefit to body image was seen in those with high thin ideal internalization. This study experimentally tested the effects of taking a one-week break from social media (S