Researchers across the United States found in recent studies that teenagers who frequently use platforms like Instagram and TikTok are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, because constant exposure to edited images and beauty-focused content promotes unrealistic standards and unhealthy comparisons through algorithm-driven feeds. 

In my interview with social media influencer Star, she describes the experience with social media and how it positively and negatively effects your experiences. Body image issues affect more than 20% of all adults who use social media, but among teenagers, this number doubles. Girls are especially affected. One study found that nearly 50% of girls worry “often” or “always” about their body, while only about 25% of boys reported the same concern. Social media use and poor body image are strongly correlated. According to research, 40% of teens reported that images on social media caused them to worry about their image. This, along with other studies mentioned in the context, shows that as more content is consumed, the resulting effects on poor body image also increase.

Social media has the influence to affect the latest fashion trends, especially when referring to clothes and makeup. Back then, you could only spend so many minutes or hours looking at fashion and beauty magazines and they only came out once a month. There was a finite amount of content that you would be exposed to. With social media it’s infinite. It’s always new and novel, which triggers our brain’s reward system that makes us want more and more of something.

https://www.tiktok.com/@starjewelll?_r=1&_t=ZS-92OXxqzUnmG

Where not only in rough waters when it comes to this topic. There are some positive takeaways , such as having a support group or sharing trends with Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. In fact, a good peer group online may be protective against negative in-person influences.

As social media continues to play a major role in teens’ daily lives, experts emphasize the importance of education, parental involvement, and healthy online habits. By learning to question unrealistic images and focus on self-acceptance, young people can better protect their mental health while still enjoying the benefits of social media.

About You:

While applying research about myself I first combined results “Keenan Pernell Perkins Military New York” I didn’t see anything associated with myself on the internet. When I took off the military keyword, I got some disturbing websites that may have collected my data and information. Since I have no other social media page but Facebook I tend to not really update events going on in my life at least to the public. Though important events I will make known like occupation or relationship status.

Content: 

With only having Facebook my social media presence has dwindled since I became a father . Nothing I post connects to my journalism blog , rather just important life events , interest such as sports, and sometimes comedic memes.

Frequency:

I share memes pretty often at least one a day in which my audience on my social media interacts with. I don’t post photos of my daily life often rather, since I’m from New York I find myself posting myself in new clothing. Since my audience is mostly people like minded we interact over that. Recently as I strayed away from other social media I started to post more meaningful life events to my audience.

Personality:

The memes I share helps my audience get a sense of my humor as well as my interest. My post are starting to represent more important parts of my life, to get the idea of professionalism and family orientated.

Professional Interest:

My Facebook has recently become my outlet for career aspirations but not in journalism. Although gaining knowledge in journalism is helping in debating online on other content creators post.

Journalism Skills:

My social media only shows some sign of journalism when I happen to share a post about my interest. For example a sports page I follow would post an athletes performance. I would share this post and add on initial information that my audience wouldn’t know. If they do decide to add their own comments I would engage.

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/charlie-kirk-funeral-09-21-25

In the latest story update of Charlie Kirk, his funeral is being held at the NFL stadium in Arizona. Trump the United States President is expected to speak with over ten thousand people in attendance. 

A) The story, follows a series of events that take place after last weeks fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk who was a well-known conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The tragedy left many Americans stunned on these trending acts of violence against our First Amendment. What stood out to me, it raises conflict about gun laws currently in the United States. The impact of this situation raises concern to me and every fellow American who justifies their right of free speech. Will my opinions be met with hatred so strong that it potentially cost me my life ? 

B) The types of multimedia journalism that was used in this coverage story are video (TV, videos ) and interactivity ( web ).

C) The audience to be addressed are activist, podcasters or anyone who engages in publishing your opinion to the masses. I think that you will find interest in this news article, as this could help you think about becoming to much of an influence to people. I am not refraining you from exercising your right to free speech, but proceed with caution. As many people as you might influence in your ideology, there are some who think negative, and even fewer take things to extreme measures. In the millions of people you give your opinion to all it takes is one individual to proceed with silencing you. In this day in age, is free speech really free if it comes with a cost ?  Today as we tread lightly to what we can say or do conflict builds. That feeling is an instability to express your voice because of fear of being casted away. The impact of this event shows to tread lightly as your opinions could be met with injustice.