Stony Brook Explores Social Media's Impact on Self-Image

Students and faculty examine how constant exposure to 'perfect' lives online can distort self-worth and encourage unhealthy comparisons.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Stony Brook University students and faculty are rethinking how to maintain a healthy sense of self-worth online as social media's influence on college students' self-image and relationships becomes increasingly apparent. The constant exposure to idealized portrayals of 'perfect' lives on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can lower self-esteem and lead to risky behaviors, while social media's structure that turns social approval into numbers can make students feel like their value is being publicly measured. However, some students have also found social media helpful in connecting with their cultural communities and strengthening their sense of identity. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, educating students on navigating misleading information and setting boundaries around social media use is crucial to protect their long-term well-being.

Why it matters

The widespread use of social media among college students, with Generation Z spending an average of 4.5 hours per day online, has significant implications for their mental health and self-perception. Understanding how social media can negatively impact self-image and relationships is important for developing strategies to help students build healthy coping mechanisms and maintain a positive sense of self-worth.

The details

Stony Brook students report that constantly comparing their relationships and lives to the idealized portrayals they see on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Some have even resorted to unhealthy behaviors like disordered eating or substance abuse to cope with the negative emotions. Faculty emphasize that the structure of social media platforms, which turn social approval into quantifiable metrics like likes and shares, can further exacerbate these issues by making students feel their value is being publicly measured. However, some students have found social media helpful in connecting with their cultural communities and strengthening their sense of identity.

  • Stony Brook University students and faculty have been examining the impact of social media on self-image and relationships.

The players

Molly Gaffey

A senior majoring in psychology at Stony Brook University.

Mumtahina Rahman

A sophomore majoring in political science at Stony Brook University.

Wenbo Li

A professor in the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University.

Joanne Davila

A professor and the chair of the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University.

Smita Majumdar Das

The director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Stony Brook University.

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What they’re saying

“When I was in a relationship, [I started to] compare it [to others' relationships online], and you don't know what's actually going on. You start thinking, 'Why doesn't my boyfriend do that?'”

— Molly Gaffey, senior majoring in psychology (sbstatesman.com)

“It's not believing that you're perfect or anything, but having more grace for yourself and the mistakes you might make.”

— Mumtahina Rahman, sophomore majoring in political science (sbstatesman.com)

“A big part of it comes down to what students see online and how that content makes them think about others and about themselves. Things [such as] likes, comments and shares turn social approval into numbers, which can make students feel like their value is being publicly measured.”

— Wenbo Li, professor in the School of Communication and Journalism (sbstatesman.com)

“They might try to change the way they look by going on unhealthy diets or resorting to disordered eating behaviors. They might try to soothe their negative feelings through alcohol or drug use.”

— Joanne Davila, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology (sbstatesman.com)

“Social media tends to amplify the polished moments of one's life and makes it hard to distinguish whether it is real or manufactured.”

— Smita Majumdar Das, director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (sbstatesman.com)

What’s next

Stony Brook's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering workshops, bystander training, and peer education internships to help students build coping skills and support their health and wellness in the face of social media's impact on self-image.

The takeaway

As social media's influence on college students' self-worth and relationships becomes increasingly apparent, educating students on navigating misleading information, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care is crucial to help them maintain a healthy sense of identity and well-being in the digital age.