Abstract
This study investigates the impact of social media use on shaping unrealistic aesthetic perceptions among adolescents, revealing the repercussions of these perceptions on their mental health. Applying a mixed-methods approach to a purposive sample (n=60), and relying on (BSMAS, SATAQ-4, GHQ-28) scales supported by content analysis of interviews and adolescents' posts on their pages; the results showed a strong positive correlation between intensity of use and adoption of those false standards (r=0.72), met by a clear negative impact on mental health (r=-0.65). The qualitative analysis also revealed that 75% of the content published or followed by adolescents promotes an artificial body ideal, leading to appearance dissatisfaction among 70% of the participants. The study concludes the necessity of activating media literacy programs and guidance intervention to promote self-acceptance.