Childhood Advancement through Social Media: A Rapid Transition of Today's Youth from the Playground to their Profiles
In the digital age, a growing concern is the influence of social media and its impact on young children's development and self-esteem. This phenomenon, often referred to as "Kids Getting Older Younger" (KGOY), involves companies targeting children with adult-oriented products, including makeup and skincare items.
The term KGOY has gained traction as more children are found preoccupied with beauty products, with some as young as 7 or 8 years old becoming fixated on makeup and skincare. This early preoccupation can negatively affect self-esteem by creating unrealistic appearance expectations and pressure to conform.
Social media platforms, such as TikTok, are contributing to a culture in which children feel the need to act older. Excessive screen time associated with these platforms often displaces essential developmental activities like physical play, social interaction, and family time, which are crucial for healthy brain development and emotional well-being.
The use of social media by elementary and middle school children impacts their development and self-esteem primarily by exposing them to pervasive beauty ideals and influencing their body image, which can lead to obsession with appearance and self-esteem issues. Early exposure to social media can also cause mood and sleep problems, contributing to poor self-image in children.
Regarding potential health risks associated with early exposure to makeup and skincare products in children, while direct evidence from the search results is limited, early use can pose risks such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the introduction of potentially harmful chemicals since children's skin is more sensitive than adults'. Early obsession with beauty products also raises concerns about psychological impacts, including anxiety and lowered self-worth stemming from an emphasis on physical appearance at a young age.
It is important to note that no direct clinical data on makeup/skincare chemical risks were found in the search results. However, standard dermatological caution for young children's skin should apply. Limiting screen time and promoting balanced activities such as play, social interactions, and family engagement are important to mitigate these impacts.
Unfortunately, children are also facing direct criticism from adults on social media, including influencers they look up to for makeup and style advice. This criticism can negatively impact children's self-esteem. For instance, Drunk Elephant, a beauty company, packages their products in bright neon colors, making them attractive to younger children, despite some products being too harsh for young skin.
The internet and social media platforms are not solely to blame for this trend. Kids are increasingly shopping at adult and teen stores like Lululemon and Urban Outfitters, buying skincare and makeup products typically meant for adults. This trend is concerning, as using anti-aging products at a young age can cause issues like Retinoid Dermatitis.
It is crucial for both creators and companies to consider the impact their actions have on younger audiences. Kids watching these videos begin to think they need the same products, creating a generation that is simultaneously obsessed with growing up and terrified of aging. It has become a trend online to call kids "bratty" and shame them for going to stores like Sephora and Lululemon.
In conclusion, while the effects of influencers profiting off their younger audiences while also ridiculing them are still unfolding, it is clear that social media use in young children can negatively affect development and self-esteem by promoting unrealistic beauty ideals, displacing critical developmental activities, causing mood and sleep problems, and leading to body image issues. Early exposure to makeup and skincare products has potential health risks, including skin sensitivity, allergic reactions, and psychological effects related to appearance fixation. Limiting screen time and promoting balanced activities are important to mitigate these impacts.
- Editorial discussions are revolving around the influence of social media on young children, coined as "Kids Getting Older Younger" (KGOY), which involves children getting fixated on adult-oriented products, such as makeup and skincare.
- The culture of social media platforms, like TikTok, encourages children to act older and often leads to alarming preoccupations with beauty products, sometimes as early as seven years old.
- News reports highlight the psychology impact on children when exposed to beauty ideals and influencers on social media, which can cause obsession with appearance, self-esteem issues, mood and sleep problems, and even excessive screen time, displacing essential activities.
- In the domain of education and self-development, early exposure to makeup and skincare products in children may pose potential health risks such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the introduction of harmful chemicals due to more sensitive skin.
- Lifestyle magazines and fashion-and-beauty blogs emphasize the need for companies to consider the impact of their products on younger audiences as children are shopping at adult and teen stores like Lululemon and Urban Outfitters, buying skincare and makeup products that are not age-appropriate.
- Personal growth advocates are calling for changes in the cultural perception of young children, with concerns that social media use and the obsession with appearance can lead to anxiety, lowered self-worth, and even Retinoid Dermatitis, a condition caused by using anti-aging products at a young age.
