CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As summer approaches, social media comparison is hitting teen and college-age girls especially hard, according to confidence coach Denise Kiker.
Kiker says she sees the issue spike this time of year, as warmer weather brings more photos, more scrolling and more pressure to look a certain way.
“Girls who felt totally fine about themselves a few weeks ago suddenly start thinking, ‘Wait, why don’t I look like that?’” Kiker said.
She notes the problem is rooted in unrealistic standards online. “What they’re seeing is curated. It’s the best angle, the best lighting, filters, editing and only the highlight moments,” she said. “They’re comparing their everyday, real life to someone else’s perfectly selected posts — and of course that’s going to impact confidence.”
That comparison often spills into real life. Kiker says girls begin second-guessing outfits, avoiding pools or beaches and overthinking photos. “Slowly, they start disconnecting from themselves,” she said. “With all the comparing and feeling insecure, they’re missing moments. They’re missing having fun.”
Kiker encourages awareness as a first step. “Most girls are comparing all day long and don’t even realize it’s happening,” she said. She also urges questioning what they see, spending time with people who allow authenticity and cleaning up social media feeds that trigger insecurity.
“If you’re following accounts that make you feel worse about yourself, they don’t belong there,” Kiker said. “Social media should feel like a positive space, not something that chips away at your confidence.”
As summer begins, Kiker says confidence comes from authenticity. “Confidence isn’t built by becoming someone else,” she said. “It’s built by coming back to who you are.”
Her message is simple: enjoy the season. “Do you want to spend your summer comparing yourself to everyone else, or actually enjoying your life?” Follow for more information on Instagram @DeniseKikercoaching or visit DK Wellness 4 U.
