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E-Newsletter • February 2023 |
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Editor's E-Note
Teenagers have always been deeply influenced by cultural messages, but today they face a constant pressure from social media to conform to idealized images and to measure themselves against others’ curated content. In this month’s E-Newsletter, Marisa Markowitz discusses the ways in which social media influences eating disorders.
We welcome your comments at SWTeditor@gvpub.com. Visit our website at www.SocialWorkToday.com, like our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.
— Kate Jackson, editor |
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How Social Media Influences Eating Disorders
By Marisa Markowitz
It’s well known that most teenagers in the United States have smartphones. On these devices, they can connect through social media across an endless array of platforms meant to foster connection; they gain information in real time about what’s happening in the lives of their friends, families, and trending celebrities. The purpose of social media was to bring people together remotely. Unfortunately, there are problematic aspects that may not have been foreseen at the outset.
Through photos, which are often heavily edited and carefully selected to portray only the narrowest view into someone’s life, social media can distort reality. Filters, social media influencers, and people who simply want to flaunt their extravagant lifestyles have a platform to project countless images that do not reflect reality for most people, often not even representing the reality of the posters themselves. Instagram offers weight loss ads as well as information about cosmetic procedures, and a variety of influencers parade their exercise routines regularly. This may be problematic for vulnerable youth, as much of what they absorb heavily influences what they perceive to be society’s ideal: to look a certain way, to act a certain way, and to lead a lifestyle that focuses on appearances and “healthy” living.
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A Nonprofit Provides Services and Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
Bre Donnelly, a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Master of Social Work program, has launched a nonprofit organization, Joy as Resistance, to support Colorado youth and provide needed mental health services.
Shortage of Social Workers in New York
New York school districts are experiencing a shortage of social workers statewide. In New York City, 423 schools have no social workers, and rural districts are unable to retain social workers.
Moving Services Online
According to Rutgers Today, although social workers prize face to face communications, the pandemic has engendered innovative and successful ways to move their practices online without compromising patient care. |
Increasing Access to the Use of Palliative Care
According to a report in Physician’s Weekly, a recent study published online in JAMA Network Open, when primary care teams have extra social work staffing, recently hospitalized veterans have greater access to, and use of, palliative or hospice care. Learn more » |
Documentary About Divorce
Split Up: The Teen Years, a sequel to Split: The Early Years, is a 50-minute documentary film that features 12 teens and young adults who look back at childhoods affected by divorce. The film is used by educators, social workers and other mental health professionals, divorce professionals, clergy, and families. Learn more or watch the trailer. |
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COVER STORY
Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth
With the percentage of trans youth on the rise, social workers can help meet the growing need for access to gender-affirming care and resources.
FEATURE
Understanding Mpox
In order to help clients ascertain risk and find quality resources regarding mpox, social workers first must understand the virus themselves.
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