SELF-IMAGE, SOCIAL COMPARISON, AND SELF-SABOTAGE IN YOUNG ADULTS: IMPACTS OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Authors

  • Francisnei Freitas Santos Author
  • Luiz Márcio Lima Author
  • Maryane Francisca Araújo de Freitas Cavalcante Author
  • Geovana Pallinele Oliveira Ramos Author
  • Leandro Cristo Sedrim Alves Author
  • Ingrid Mikaela Moreira de Oliveira Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n12-161

Keywords:

Self-Image, Social Comparison, Self-Sabotage, Digital Era

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationships between self-image, social comparison, and self-sabotage in young adults, emphasizing the specific impacts of the digital era on these psychological processes. The digital era has radically reconfigured the modes of identity construction, intensifying social comparison mechanisms through constant exposure to idealized standards on social networks. The research is justified by the urgency to understand unprecedented psychological vulnerabilities that affect the mental health of millions of young people globally. The objective consists of examining how digital technologies impact self-image, social comparison processes, and self-sabotage patterns. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach of applied nature, combining integrative literature review, documentary analysis, and narrative synthesis of scientific evidence published between 2020 and 2024. The results reveal that prolonged exposure to idealized digital content correlates significantly with body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors, with variations according to gender and cultural context. It concludes that effective confrontation demands a systemic approach that articulates regulation of digital platforms, education for digital literacy, strengthening of authentic relationships, and psychological interventions adapted to the specificities of contemporary digital subjectivity.

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References

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Published

2025-12-15

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Articles

How to Cite

SANTOS, Francisnei Freitas; LIMA, Luiz Márcio; CAVALCANTE, Maryane Francisca Araújo de Freitas; RAMOS, Geovana Pallinele Oliveira; ALVES, Leandro Cristo Sedrim; DE OLIVEIRA, Ingrid Mikaela Moreira. SELF-IMAGE, SOCIAL COMPARISON, AND SELF-SABOTAGE IN YOUNG ADULTS: IMPACTS OF THE DIGITAL AGE. ARACÊ , [S. l.], v. 7, n. 12, p. e11095, 2025. DOI: 10.56238/arev7n12-161. Disponível em: https://periodicos.newsciencepubl.com/arace/article/view/11095. Acesso em: 29 dec. 2025.