Teens understand negative side of their social media use — but stay connected for fear of 'social suicide'

The new research, based on focus groups of transition year students, found that the use of social media exerted 'a strong and mostly negative influence on their body image'. Picture: iStock

Teenagers have outlined how social media platforms exert "a strong and mostly negative influence on their body image".

Despite this, many feel they have to stick with their online profiles "to feel socially connected".