Researchers warn that excessive social media use may not only affect mental health but may also be linked to consumption habits that increase exposure to harmful chemicals.
A study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in the United States found that teenagers exposed to content promoting beauty and personal care products on social media tend to use more of these products.
This finding is concerning because some personal care and cosmetic products contain chemicals that may affect hormone function or have been linked in some studies to increased health risks. These include phthalates, parabens, and compounds known as PFAS, or “perennial chemicals.”
Dr. Emily Barrett, a biostatistician who led the study, said that concerns about social media often focus on its impact on mental health and social and emotional development, but this study opens the door to considering its potential influence on other behaviors, such as the selection and use of personal care products.
How does social media affect product use? Researchers studied the behavior of 143 students at Princeton High School in New Jersey, asking them about their time spent on social media and the products they use.
The students reported spending an average of two hours and 35 minutes daily on these platforms, with Instagram and YouTube being the most frequently used.
Approximately 40% of them reported following an influencer who promotes specific products, and another 40% said they had purchased products online.
The results revealed a link between this type of content and increased use of personal care products. Students who follow influencers who promote products used, on average, about 30% more products than those who don't.
Students who watch hair and beauty tutorials also used about 40% more products than those who don't.
All participants used basic products such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo, while many also used perfumes and cosmetics. Girls used nearly twice as many products as boys.
What products are causing concern?
Parabens, including propylparaben, are used as preservatives in cosmetics and other products, while some phthalates, such as diethylephthalate, can be used to help stabilize fragrances.
PFAS, known as “perennial chemicals” because of their long-lasting presence in the environment, may be included in some skincare and cosmetic products to impart certain properties, such as improved appearance or texture.
Researchers say that the increasing number of products used may mean increased exposure to these substances, especially among teenagers who are undergoing rapid hormonal changes.
However, the study does not prove that these substances cause cancer, nor does it prove that social media leads to the disease. Concerns about some of these substances are based, in part, on the results of laboratory studies and animal research, as well as studies investigating their potential effects on hormones and health.
Regulations regarding these substances vary from country to country. Some ingredients are banned or restricted in the United Kingdom and the European Union, while others are permitted within certain limits in the United States.
Recent reports indicate that the use of PFAS compounds in cosmetics has become limited, while the presence of some types of parabens and phthalates remains common in personal care products.
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