A new study reveals a concerning link between appearance-related social media use and steroid use in adolescent boys and young men. The research highlights the pressure young men face to conform to unrealistic body image standards often perpetuated on social media.
Researchers have found that appearance-related social media use in adolescent boys and young men is linked to higher chances of steroid use. A generation of young people are being raised on a vision of masculinity that glorifies muscular bodies. Performance and image enhancing drugs offer a quick – but potentially risky – way to achieve their goal. One month ago, Nick*, an 18-year-old university student living in the United States, got some devastating news: his little brother has cancer.
It’s one of the worst times of Nick’s life, he says, but he’s “still positive”. “I wake up with a smile on my face,” he says. Not because of family support or a miracle cure, but because he has a potent combination of chemicals coursing through his veins: steroids. At the same time that his brother was diagnosed, Nick started taking testosterone and metandienone (dbol). He began using the drugs to change himself, physically. “I hate the idea of being average,” Nick says. The physical side effects arrived quickly. Days after his first injection, his benching weight, already about 147kg, increased by nearly 7kg. Within weeks, his voice deepened and hair started growing faster. But the mental side effects were even more dramatic. “You just feel like a soldier when you’re on it,” Nick says. “If it was the old me without running testosterone and stuff, I would be beat up over it , but on testosterone and dbol, I feel great. Every day I’m stronger than I was yesterday.”However, Nick also experiences out-of-control emotions, snapping at his girlfriend and yelling at other drivers on the road. Fed up with these outbursts, Nick’s girlfriend broke up with him – although she was not aware that steroids might have been driving this behaviour. Even still, Nick has no plans to stop. “I don’t really care about risk,” Nick says
STERIODS SOCIAL MEDIA BODY IMAGE TEENAGE HEALTH RISKS
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lawyer Predicts Up to Two-Year Ban for Jannik Sinner Over Steroid ControversyThe lawyer who helped Australian swimmer Shayna Jack clear her name believes men’s tennis world No.1 Jannik Sinner is likely to face a ban of up to two years for a banned steroid detected in his system. The World Anti-Doping Agency is appealing the decision by tennis authorities to allow Sinner to continue playing, arguing that the 'no fault or negligence' finding was incorrect under applicable rules.
Read more »
Tennis Star Sinner Faces Possible Two-Year Ban Over Steroid ControversyAustralian swimmer Shayna Jack's lawyer believes men's tennis world No.1 Jannik Sinner could face a ban of up to two years for a banned steroid found in his system. The World Anti-Doping Agency is appealing a ruling that found no fault or negligence.
Read more »
Waking up at different times linked to greater risk of heart attack and stroke: studyNew research says irregular sleep patterns could cause serious health risks.
Read more »
Clare Polkinghorne to start in final Matildas appearance against Chinese Taipei in GeelongThe Matildas will call on legendary centre-back Clare Polkinghorne one last time in Saturday's friendly against Chinese Taipei at Kardinia Park.
Read more »
Nicole Kidman’s estranged daughter makes rare appearance amid sad family pleaNicole Kidman’s eldest daughter Bella Kidman Cruise has returned to social media amid reports her world-famous mother is hoping to reconcile with her.
Read more »
Former intelligence officer Neil Fergus raided by ASIO and AFP after Four Corners appearanceAustralia's most senior private security specialist has been targeted in raids conducted by ASIO and the Australian Federal Police that appear to have been prompted at least in part by his media appearances, including on the ABC's Four Corners program.
Read more »