Abstract
Social media platforms have become integral to adolescent life in India, with over 95% of
teenagers actively using social media platforms. The rapid digital transformation in India raises
concerns about the impact of these platforms on body image and self-esteem among young people. This
study examines the relationship between social media usage and body image concerns, self-esteem levels,
and eating disorder risks among Indian adolescents aged 13-18 years across urban and rural areas. A
cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 adolescents (298 females, 262 males) from five Indian
states. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem
Scale, Social Media Use Disorder Scale, and body image assessment tools through school-based surveys.
Increased social media usage correlates with decreased body image satisfaction and lower self-esteem
among Indian adolescents, with females being disproportionately affected compared to males. Analys