Dumbphones: A surprising solution to social media's impact on self-esteem?

The impact of social media on self-esteem is a growing concern, particularly among young people. A recent TikTok video by Amber Horsburgh_ highlights this issue and suggests a surprising solution: using a dumbphone. Horsburgh argues that constant exposure to filtered images and curated feeds on smartphones contributes to unrealistic beauty standards and negative self-perception. She quotes Ashley, a 20-year-old featured in a Dazed article, who states, "Social media made it feel like I had to be perfect and attractive all the time, or else I was faking it." By switching to a basic phone, Ashley found she experienced less self-comparison and a more realistic view of beauty. This aligns with reports from plastic surgeons who are seeing an increase in patients seeking procedures to match their filtered online selves. The simplicity of a dumbphone limits access to social media, forcing users to interact with the real world and its diverse range of appearances. Horsburgh's video suggests that this shift in perspective can lead to improved self-esteem and a healthier body image. While this approach may not be a solution for everyone, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on the complexities of self-image in the digital age.