Why TikTok Trends Can Affect Your Self-Esteem
Introduction: The Hidden Impact of TikTok
TikTok has become the centre stage of Gen Z expression—from viral dance routines to skincare hacks, it shapes global culture in 60-second bursts. But while many trends seem fun, research reveals a darker side: TikTok trends can significantly impact mental health, especially self-esteem.
With over 1 billion monthly users, the platform influences how we see ourselves and others. For teens navigating identity and self-worth, these quick-glimpse videos often set impossible standards. Let’s break down exactly why TikTok can lower your self-esteem—and how to reclaim control.
1. Social Comparison Theory: Measuring Yourself Against Perfection
Social comparison theory explains that humans instinctively evaluate themselves by comparing with others. On TikTok, those “others” are filtered, staged, and algorithmically curated to be appealing. This leads to upward social comparison—comparing yourself to seemingly ‘better’ people—which often damages confidence and happiness.
According to a 2024 study by UNSW Sydney, even two minutes of scrolling through beauty-centric content resulted in more body dissatisfaction and negative self-perception among young women.
2. Filters, Dysmorphia, and Unrealistic Beauty
Filters are no longer fun add-ons—they've evolved into tools that distort our facial structure, skin tone, and features. When these filtered looks dominate your “For You Page,” it sets an unattainable standard.
The rise of Snapchat dysmorphia—wanting cosmetic surgery to resemble filtered selfies—has now entered TikTok. Teen girls especially feel pressured to match trends like “clean girl aesthetic,” “glass skin,” or “no-pore” finishes, which are often only achievable through heavy editing or filters.
According to Dove’s Self-Esteem Project, 8 in 10 girls filter their selfies before posting. 50% say they don’t feel confident in their natural appearance anymore.
3. TikTok’s Algorithm: A Personalised Pressure Loop
TikTok’s secret sauce is its powerful algorithm—it learns what you watch, pause on, or like, and gives you more of it. While helpful in theory, it can trap users in harmful content spirals.
For example, if you click on a video about dieting, you’ll soon see #WhatIEatInADay, body-checking, or “weight loss journey” videos, even if you didn’t intend to. This can reinforce body shame, disordered eating, or comparison anxiety.
Studies from the University of Minnesota show that the TikTok algorithm can rapidly guide users to restrictive content, often bypassing moderation or age restrictions.
4. Metrics Matter: The Problem with Likes and Shares
Teens increasingly tie self-worth to performance metrics like likes, followers, and video views. When a post performs well, dopamine spikes. But when it doesn’t—anxiety and doubt creep in.
Social media validation reinforces the idea that external approval defines value. A 2023 Facebook study showed that teens who experienced “low engagement” reported increased sadness, stress, and reduced self-esteem within hours of posting.
5. Dangerous Trends and “Toxic Positivity”
Not all TikTok trends are healthy. From extreme fitness challenges to diet teas, and even “sad girl aesthetic,” trends often encourage behavior that harms mental or physical health.
Others, like “that girl” routines, promote waking at 5AM, journaling, doing yoga, eating clean—all great in moderation, but toxic if portrayed as the only valid way to succeed or be liked.
When teens can’t match these standards, they feel inadequate. Instead of motivating, it demoralises—especially when shown through overly edited or privileged lenses.
6. Mental Health and Body Image: The Stats
- 83% of teens say TikTok made them feel worse about their body at least once, according to Common Sense Media.
- 65% of girls say they’ve compared themselves negatively to influencers.
- 50% of youth report anxiety or low mood linked to TikTok scrolling, per The Children's Society UK.
- One-third of teen TikTok users reported they felt worse after engaging with beauty or body transformation trends.
7. TikTok & Sleep Disruption: The Night-Time Scroll Trap
Beyond comparison, excessive TikTok use impacts sleep—which is crucial for emotional stability. The blue light exposure, addictive content loop, and FOMO (fear of missing out) keep teens up late into the night.
Studies by the Sleep Research Society confirm that late-night TikTok scrolling reduces deep REM sleep, increasing cortisol (stress hormone), which directly lowers self-esteem and raises depression risk.
8. Gender Differences: Why Girls Often Suffer More
While all teens are affected, studies show that girls are more impacted by appearance-based comparison. Many trends are hyper-focused on beauty, fitness, thinness, or fashion, intensifying body image pressure among female-identifying youth.
That said, boys too experience harmful trends—from “looksmaxxing” to muscle dysmorphia and dangerous stunt challenges. No gender is immune.
9. Not All Bad: TikTok’s Empowering Side
It's important to highlight that TikTok isn’t inherently harmful. It hosts content that empowers, educates, and supports mental health. Many users find solidarity in #BodyPositivity, #MentalHealthAwareness, or peer-led therapy content.
Creators like Elyse Myers, Tabitha Brown, or The Therapist Next Door use TikTok to dismantle shame and share coping tools. When used wisely, TikTok can help teens express themselves, learn new skills, and feel less alone.
10. What You Can Do: Reclaiming Confidence and Control
You don’t have to ditch TikTok entirely to feel better. Here are practical tips to protect your self-esteem:
- Audit your feed: Unfollow accounts that make you feel less-than. Follow body-neutral, diverse creators.
- Set a timer: Limit usage to 30–45 minutes a day to reduce exposure fatigue.
- Practice positive self-talk: When you catch yourself comparing, pause and remind yourself of your worth beyond looks.
- Engage offline: Balance screen time with real-life activities—sports, hobbies, walks, journaling.
- Talk to someone: If TikTok is affecting your mood or thoughts, reach out to a trusted adult or school counsellor.
11. What Parents and Educators Should Know
Parents, teachers, and caregivers play a crucial role in guiding teens’ digital wellbeing. Rather than banning apps, start conversations:
- Ask: “What trends have you seen lately?”
- Discuss: “How do you think that video made others feel?”
- Model: Share your own screen struggles or how you reset after social overload.
- Set boundaries: No screens at mealtimes or after bedtime.
- Promote balance: Encourage hobbies that promote real confidence and self-worth.
Conclusion: Use the App—Don’t Let It Use You
TikTok is a powerful tool. But like all tools, its impact depends on how it’s used. For teens and young adults still forming identity and confidence, constant exposure to beauty trends, metrics, and filtered perfection can leave lasting scars on self-worth.
The key is awareness and balance. Curate your feed with kindness. Follow people who look like you, think like you, and support the real—not just the perfect. Your value isn’t in your likes, your body shape, or your engagement rate. It’s in your heart, your ideas, your humour, and your dreams.
So next time a trend makes you feel small—remember, it’s just a trend. But your self-esteem? That’s forever.