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NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls
International Journal of Eating Disorders
Abstract
Objective:
The primary aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Internet exposure and body image concern in adolescent girls, with a particular focus on the social networking site of Facebook.
Method:
A sample of 1,087 girls in the first two years (Years 8 and 9) of high school (aged 13-15 years) completed questionnaire measures of Internet consumption and body image concerns.
Results:
The overwhelming majority of girls (95.9%) had access to the Internet in their home. Time spent on the Internet was significantly related to internalization of the thin ideal, body surveillance, and drive for thinness. Further, 75% of the girls had a Facebook profile, and spent an average of 1.5 hours there daily. Facebook users scored significantly more highly on all body image concern measures than non-users.
Discussion:
It was concluded that the Internet represents a potent socio-cultural medium of relevance to the body image of adolescent girls.
... Young adults, in particular, are vulnerable to social comparisons, which intensify body dissatisfaction and the risk of developing BDD (Smith & Johnson, 2022). Exposure to idealised images on digital platforms fosters self-criticism, reinforcing unattainable beauty ideals (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). Body image is shaped by sociocultural factors and media influences. ...
... Social media interactions, including likes and comments, amplify appearance-related concerns and anxiety (Fardouly et al., 2015). The validation-seeking nature of these platforms further deepens insecurities (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). This study explores how social media influences body dysmorphia among young adults in private universities in Nairobi, Kenya. ...
... Studies reveal that the more moments young ages spend on media, the more they are exposed to idealised body images and engage in social comparisons, which negatively impact their body image (Fardouly et al., 2015). For instance, Tiggemann and Slater (2013) found that adolescent young ladies who spent more time on Facebook reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction and a greater desire to change their appearance. Similarly, a study by Sidani et al. (2016) indicated that young adults who used virtual social networks more frequently were at a higher risk of developing eating disorders and other body image issues. ...
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social media use on body dysmorphia among young adults in private universities in Nairobi, Kenya. This study used a descriptive design with 23 registered private universities in Nairobi County as the target population. Simple random sampling selected 359 students. Data was analysed using SPSS Version 27, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferential methods, including Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via questionnaires, with qualitative data analysed thematically and presented in tables. Out of 359 questionnaires, 300 were completed (83.6% response rate), meeting Kothari’s (2014) 70 per cent threshold for reliable analysis. The results revealed a positive and significant relationship between youths' use of social media and their body dysmorphia in Kenyan private universities. The study concluded that social media use contributes to body dysmorphia in young adults. Frequent use fosters appearance comparisons, lowered confidence, and pressure to alter looks. Exposure to idealised images increases dissatisfaction. Responsible use, however, can provide benefits like marketing opportunities and informed perspectives. The study recommends that universities raise awareness of social media's impact on body image, promote critical thinking about filtered content, and provide counselling for body dysmorphia. It suggests regulating edited content, adding media literacy programs, and launching awareness campaigns. Further research should explore social media's effects on behaviour, self-denial, and loneliness in students.
... Fardouly and Vartanian (2016) found that exposure to digitally altered images was correlated with increased body dissatisfaction, particularly among young women. This pattern, first identified by Tiggemann and Slater (2013), links intensive filter use with lower body satisfaction. Adolescents who frequently use filters also report lower self-esteem and heightened social comparison (Kleemans et al., 2018). ...
... Gender and age are key factors that strongly influence how individuals perceive and evaluate their bodies during adolescence (Feijoo et al., 2024a). Research has consistently demonstrated notable differences in body satisfaction and overall body image well-being between boys and girls as well as across various age groups (Maes & de Lenne, 2022;McLean et al., 2016;Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). ...
... Age also played a significant role in shaping the use of filters and adolescents' body perceptions. Studies have consistently shown an increase in body dissatisfaction with age, particularly between the ages of 12 and 17 (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). Early adolescence (ages 12-14) tends to involve less exposure to social pressures regarding appearance; however, as adolescents grow older and become more engaged with social media, these pressures intensify, leading to a greater use of digital filters to alter their appearance (Feijoo et al., 2024b). ...
Behind the adolescent filter lies a complex relationship between digital tools used to alter appearance and their impact on body satisfaction and well-being. This study quantitatively examined the association between these factors in 1,082 Spanish adolescents aged 12 to 17, focusing on gender and age differences. Non-parametric tests revealed significant gender disparities, with girls using filters more frequently to modify facial features and body shape. Older adolescents (15–17 years) also had higher filter usage than younger participants. Correlational analyses revealed weak but significant negative links between frequent filter use and overall body satisfaction. Regression analyses indicated that modifying facial features with filters was associated with lower satisfaction, whereas modifying body shape had mixed effects, sometimes improving satisfaction. These findings highlight the dual role of filters as both a tool for self-expression and potential driver of body image distortions. The nuanced impact of filters calls for innovative interventions that not only foster media literacy but also encourage adolescents to critically engage with digital representations of the self, fostering resilience against distorted body ideals.
... However, some research suggests a more complex relationship between body dissatisfaction and life satisfaction. In their study, Tiggemann and Slater [51] examined the impact of social media and Internet use on body satisfaction among adolescent girls. Tey found that exposure to idealized body images on platforms such as Facebook negatively infuenced body satisfaction and ultimately contributed to lower overall life satisfaction among participants [51]. ...
... In their study, Tiggemann and Slater [51] examined the impact of social media and Internet use on body satisfaction among adolescent girls. Tey found that exposure to idealized body images on platforms such as Facebook negatively infuenced body satisfaction and ultimately contributed to lower overall life satisfaction among participants [51]. Given this complex relationship, promoting a healthy body image and fostering self-acceptance are essential for enhancing individuals' life satisfaction. ...
Background: Knowledge of nutritional aspects, the practice of physical activity, body satisfaction, and explanation of mood is a topic of great relevance in the field of nutrition, as it allows us to understand in a more exhaustive way the implications of the eating pattern on satisfaction with people’s lives. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional knowledge, dietary pattern, physical activity, mood, body satisfaction, and life satisfaction in vegetarian and nonvegetarian Colombian adults.
Materials: Study with a quantitative, observational, multivariate, correlational, and cross-sectional approach. The variables dietary pattern, nutritional knowledge, physical activity, mood, body satisfaction, and life satisfaction were analyzed. The sample (N = 478) included the participation of vegetarians (N = 157) and nonvegetarians (N = 321); the selection of the sample was carried out by nonprobabilistic accidental sampling. The data were collected through an online questionnaire, processed using SPSS version 26 and R version 4.4.2, and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The effect size was calculated based on mean differences, and Spearman’s Rho correlation test was applied, considering a significance level of 0.05.
Result: In vegetarians, physical activity showed a positive correlation with mood (r = 0.210, p<0.01). Body dissatisfaction demonstrated a significant negative correlation with life satisfaction (r = −0.26, p<0.01) and mood (r = −0.28, p<0.01). Body dissatisfaction showed a significant positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.30, p<0.01). Life satisfaction was positively correlated with mood (r = 0.54, p<0.01). Nutritional knowledge exhibited a significant negative correlation with BMI (r = −0.17, p<0.05). Mood also showed a significant positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.16, p<0.05). Among nonvegetarians, body dissatisfaction was negatively and significantly correlated with life satisfaction (r = −0.29, p<0.01) and positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.29, p<0.01). Life satisfaction was significantly positively correlated with mood (r = 0.42, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with BMI (r = −0.12, p<0.05). Nutritional knowledge showed a positive correlation with life satisfaction (r = 0.14, p<0.05), while mood was negatively correlated with body dissatisfaction (r = −0.36, p<0.01).
Conclusion: These results suggest the importance of nutritional education and its need to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes dietary aspects and considers the relationship between diet, physical activity, and emotional well-being to promote healthy habits and a better quality of life.
... Although social media addiction is not classified as a distinct form of addiction in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, it is considered one of the behavioural addictions in the academic literature (Griffiths & Szabo, 2014;Kuss & Griffiths, 2011). Social media addiction has been found to be associated with various negative outcomes, including reduced work performance (Kuss et al., 2014;Xanidis & Brignell, 2016), lower life satisfaction (Blachnio et al., 2016;Hawi & Samaha, 2016;Longstreet & Brooks, 2017;Sağar & Özçelik, 2022), poorer social relationships (Fox & Moreland, 2015;Müller et al., 2016), and lower body satisfaction (Rodgers et al., 2013;Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). ...
... Sosyal medya bağımlılığı DSM-V tanı kriterlerinde bir bağımlılık türü olarak tanımlanmamakla birlikte alan yazında davranış tabanlı bağımlılıklardan biri olarak değerlendirilmektedir (Griffiths & Szabo, 2014;Kuss & Griffiths, 2011;). Sosyal medya bağımlılığı ile,düşük iş performansı (Kuss vd., 2014;Xanidis & Brignell, 2016), düşük yaşam doyumu (Blachnio vd., 2016;Hawi & Samaha, 2016;Longstreet & Brooks, 2017;Sağar & Özçelik, 2022), daha düşük sağlıklı sosyal ilişkiler (Fox & Moreland, 2015;Müller vd., 2016), düşük beden memnuniyeti (Rodgers vd., 2013;Tiggemann & Slater, 2013) değişkenleri arasında ilişkiler bulunmuştur. Araştırmacılar bunca önemli sonuçlara neden olabilecek sosyal medya bağımlılığını açıklayan değişkenleri araştırmaktadırlar. ...
The purpose of this research is to examine whether fear of missing out, cognitive emotion regulation and life satisfaction predict social media addiction. For this purpose, the relational survey model was used as the research design. The study group of the research consists of a total of 906 university students in Turkey, 675 of whom are female and 231 of whom are male, . The sample group was selected through convenience sampling. Data were obtained using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. In addition, a personal information form prepared by the researchers was used to collect demographic information such as gender, department and grade level of the study group. Before analysing the data, assumptions such as sample size, missing values, normality, linearity, multicollinearity and singularity, and finally extreme values were tested within the scope of regression analysis, and it was seen that the data showed a normal distribution. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship among variables, and multiple regression analysis was performed to determine whether the independent variables significantly predicted the dependent variable. The findings of the study revealed that fear of missing out was the strongest correlate of social media addiction (r= .498, p< .001). Furthermore, social media addiction was found to be significantly associated with all other variables except the positive refocusing subscale of cognitive emotion regulation.. According to the results of multiple regression analysis, the cognitive emotion regulation sub-dimensions of self-blame, self-acceptance, positive refocusing, refocusing on the plan, destruction, fear of missing out, and life satisfaction together significantly and moderately predict social media addiction scores (R= .57, R2= .32, p< .001). These variables collectively explained approximately 32% of the total variance in social media addiction. However, the t-test results regarding the significance of the regression coefficients indicated that the sub-dimensions of cognitive emotion regulation, focusing on thought, positive reconsideration, putting it in perspective and blaming others, did not significantly predict social media addiction.
... This may explain the lower variability in body image concerns among Indian participants. In contrast, the lower self-esteem and higher levels of body uneasiness reported by Italian participants reflect the individualistic emphasis on personal achievement and appearance, a characteristic of Western cultures [48,49]. Individualistic societies prioritize self-expression and autonomy, often leading individuals to focus heavily on their physical attributes as a measure of personal value [27,50,51]. ...
... The strong positive association between self-esteem and body image highlights the importance of self-worth in promoting a positive relationship with one's body, a finding echoed in multiple studies on self-esteem and mental health [53,57,58]. Similarly, the negative relationship between self-esteem and body uneasiness underscores the protective role of self-esteem in reducing body dissatisfaction and related issues [1,10,49]. These results emphasize the need for interventions that boost self-esteem as a means of addressing body image concerns. ...
Body image and self-esteem are central to psychological health and have been identified as contributing factors in the development and maintenance of psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. This study investigates the relationship between these variables among university students in India and Italy, contributing to the understanding of how cultural contexts shape these psychological constructs in adult populations. The sample consisted of 767 participants (391 from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and 376 from University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli), aged 18 and above. Participants completed standardized measures, namely the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Body Investment Scale, and Body Uneasiness Test, through paper-based questionnaires administered in controlled settings. Indian students reported higher self-esteem and more positive body image compared to their Italian counterparts, who exhibited lower self-esteem and higher body dissatisfaction. Across both groups, higher self-esteem was strongly associated with lower body uneasiness. Regression analyses revealed high self-esteem significantly predicted positive body attitudes, with stronger protective effects among Italian participants. Indian students demonstrated broader resilience, potentially linked to cultural values. The findings contribute to psychiatry by emphasizing self-esteem and body image as culturally sensitive psychological constructs that may influence vulnerability to psychiatric distress in young adults. Understanding these factors can support prevention and early intervention strategies in student populations, particularly regarding body dissatisfaction, emotional regulation, and self-concept.
... A study by Fardouly et al. (2015) [1] found that time spent on Facebook and Instagram was significantly associated with body image concerns in young women. Similarly, Tiggemann & Slater (2014) [2] noted that adolescents who spent more time on social media were more likely to internalize thin ideals and experience body surveillance. These findings are supported by newer research indicating that passive scrolling (viewing others' posts without interacting) is more strongly associated with negative body image than active engagement. ...
... According to a seminal study by Fardouly et al. (2015) [1] , young women who spent more time on Facebook were significantly more likely to report appearance-related concerns and engage in body comparison. Similarly, Tiggemann and Slater (2014) [2] found that Instagram usage was positively associated with internalization of the thin ideal, body surveillance, and appearance anxiety among teenage girls. These studies suggest that the visual nature of social media, combined with the tendency for upward social comparison, plays a central role in shaping users' body image perceptions. ...
... Existing research suggests that, on average, men have less self-doubt about their body image (Möri et al., 2022). Age is also generally a relevant variable: although the influence of the media in constructing the perfect body norm occurs throughout adolescence (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013), age is indeed a crucial variable for levels of advertising literacy (Hudders et al., 2017). Likewise, it is considered relevant to establish the socioeconomic level of households as a criterion that may introduce nuance into the results, in line with previous research on advertising literacy, minors and influencers (Feijoo et al., 2023). ...
... It is also important to note that in example 3, the attitudinal dimension (ADLIT3 and ADLIT4) barely correlated in the 16-17 year old group. This could be due to the emergence of other elements at this age that have a greater influence on adolescents' concern about their appearance, such as friends, the media or their own trends or fashions (Ashikali et al., 2014;Hay & Ashman, 2003;Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). ...
En la sociedad actual, la gente está cada vez más preocupada por su cuerpo y los profesionales del marketing son muy conscientes de ello. Como resultado, los influenciadores han empezado a incorporar contenido con un protagonismo especial del cuerpo y de la apariencia, especialmente cuando al promocionar marcas de moda, alimentación, cosmética, belleza o fitness. Esto, junto con la incidencia que el estilo de vida de los influenciadores tiene en la imagen corporal de los usuarios, hace necesario un análisis más detallado de las medidas que pueden proteger al público, principalmente a los jóvenes, del impacto de estas publicaciones que, a menudo, desdibujan los límites entre el contenido orgánico y el patrocinado. Este estudio plantea la posibilidad de que uno de estos filtros para proteger a este grupo de edad de los contenidos patrocinados de influenciadores que explotan el argumento de la imagen sea su nivel de alfabetización publicitaria. Mediante una encuesta aplicada a 1055 adolescentes de 11 a 17 años residentes en España entre abril y junio de 2022 se pudo comprobar la relación significativa entre la preocupación de los adolescentes por su imagen corporal y su nivel de alfabetización publicitaria ante estos contenidos, especialmente en el establecimiento de metas para conseguir el cuerpo perfecto y la importancia del aspecto físico en su autopercepción. El género, la edad y el nivel socioeconómico de los encuestados introducen matices en los resultados. La discusión es relevante para empresas que incluyen influenciadores en sus estrategias de marketing, familias, educadores y administraciones públicas.
... The lack of consideration for specific forms of PSNU, such as exposure to appearance-focused content, may have contributed to these results. Previous research, such as Tiggemann and Slater (2013), has shown that the type of content encountered on social media -especially content related to physical appearance -can significantly influence appearance comparison. Similarly, Fardouly et al. (2015) emphasized the role of social comparison, suggesting that individuals who are naturally more prone to compare themselves to others are more likely to experience negative body image outcomes from social media use. ...
... We suggest that future studies examine the relationship between PSNU and body image concerns and the mediating role of physical appearance comparison with different samples, such as participants from Western countries. Thirdly, other studies have found that the relationship between SNS use and body image concerns is likely to be more severe for women (Meier and Gray 2014;Tiggemann and Slater 2013). Future studies should thus investigate the above relationship among women. ...
... The influence these individuals exert on their followers can be significant, as their representations are often so flawless that users may begin to obsess over them and desire to emulate those standards. According to research by Tiggemann and Slater (2013), the beauty criteria promoted by digital platforms can harm the self-esteem of their users, particularly adolescent girls. Virtual influencers, being entirely digital creations, exacerbate this problem because their images are not bound by the physical or biological limitations of human beings. ...
The emerging trend of using virtual influencers in tourism is transforming how companies engage with travelers, becoming a mass phenomenon among younger digital audiences. These characters, crafted using CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) by digital marketing teams, are not only used to promote destinations but also serve as virtual guides, assisting users in planning their trips. Thanks to their ability to adapt and emphasize brand values, virtual influencers can produce unlimited, engaging content without geographic or temporal restrictions. This chapter analyzes the impact of using virtual influencers in the tourism sector, addressing both the benefits and the ethical challenges they present. To this end, a content analysis was conducted on seven virtual influencers, two of whom focus exclusively on tourism and travel. In conclusion, virtual influencers represent an innovative tool for tourism, with the potential to enhance engagement and sustainability in destination promotion, though challenges of authenticity and trust must be addressed to maximize their impact.
... Research has shown that social media platforms like Instagram can contribute to negative self-perception and body image concerns among women. Studies by Tiggemann and Slater (2014) highlighted that the idealized images and lifestyles portrayed on social media can lead to increased body dissatisfaction and a higher likelihood of engaging in unhealthy comparison behaviours. Women may feel pressured to conform to unattainable beauty standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem . ...
This study aims to explore the impact of social media on women's self-image and mental health, examining how different social media platforms influence perceptions of body image, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was used to conduct and report systematic reviews. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search strategy involved using specific keywords such as "social media," "self-image," "mental health," "women," and "body image." The analysis reveals a complex relationship between social media use and women's self-image and mental health. The results underscore the significant influence of social media on women's self-image and mental health. While the pervasive nature of idealized images on social media can negatively impact women's psychological well-being, there are also opportunities for these platforms to foster positive self-perception and community support. Future research should focus on identifying strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of social media while enhancing its potential for positive influence. Policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals must collaborate to develop interventions that promote healthy social media use and support women's mental health.
... Additionally, TikTok's algorithm-driven content delivery creates highly personalised user experiences, which can lead to echo chambers, reinforcing specific behaviours and mindsets among youth (Montag et al., 2021). Tiggemann and Slater (2013) examined the relationship between internet use, including social media platforms, and body image concerns among adolescent girls, relevant to understanding TikTok's impact. Based on these empirical studies that show a correlation between TikTok usage and changes in behaviour or mindset, this study hypothesises that TikTok has a significant negative impact on youth mindset and behaviour. ...
... A jovem portuguesa Sofia Oliveira, influenciadora e modelo, tem partilhado as suas experiências de body shaming nas redes sociais, discutindo o impacto negativo desse comportamento na sua autoestima e saúde mental. A crítica constante à aparência física pode levar a graves consequências psicológicas, como distúrbios alimentares, depressão e baixa autoestima (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). O body shaming cria um ambiente de julgamento e vigilância constante, em que as mulheres sentem que o seu valor é constantemente avaliado com base na sua aparência. ...
O capítulo aborda a complexidade das opressões enfrentadas por jovens mulheres no ambiente digital, destacando como a misoginia, o racismo e o ódio online perpetuam e amplificam desigualdades so-ciais. Explora a misoginia online através de comentários humilhantes, ameaças de violência sexual e body shaming, afetando a dignidade das mulheres. As jovens de minorias racializadas enfrentam discriminação dupla, resultando em abusos específicos, como a misoginoir. A norma-lização dessas formas de ódio é facilitada pela manosfera, anonimato online e falta de regulação. Destaca-se a resiliência das mulheres e estratégias de resistência, como criação de espaços seguros, ativismo digital e advocacia por políticas rigorosas.
... These endorphins bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and produce pleasant sensations that stimulate the reward system. This dual activation -of dopamine and endorphins -increases the addictive potential of alcohol, as together they produce a strong feeling of reward and well-being that drives the desire for further consumption [39]. The orbitofrontal cortex also plays a crucial role in decision-making and reward evaluation. ...
Summary: The article provides an overview of today's society's obsession with looking more and more beautiful. It provides a historical overview and definitions of what is considered attractive. Sociocultural influences have shaped what has ultimately been established as "attractive". Good-looking people are known to have advantages in spreading their genes. The increasing popularity of social media plays a crucial role in the development of an addiction to beauty. Media not only creates pressure to conform to a desired appearance, but also provides an additional and increasingly relevant platform for bullying when societal beauty ideals are not achieved. The incongruity between the optimized online appearance and the real appearance naturally creates dissatisfaction and is associated with the development of e.g. anxiety disorders, body dysmorphic disorders and emotion regulation. The neurological correlates of the addiction to beauty and attractiveness are deeply rooted in the mechanisms of the brain's reward system. When we look at a beautiful face, the nucleus accumbens in particular is activated. This neural network is a central area that plays a key role in motivation. In addition, the opioid system plays a crucial role in enhancing the perception of attractiveness and may contribute to the development of addiction to cosmetic surgery or other aesthetic procedures. It should be noted that the addiction to beauty is often closely associated with low self-confidence. Studies indicate that constant confrontation with idealized beauty standards can lead to dissatisfaction with one's own body, especially among young women. The relationship between beauty addiction and a lack of self-confidence is particularly evident when people compare themselves too often with idealized images of beauty and develop feelings of inadequacy.
... Moreover, societal factors such as the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards or purchasing behaviors often find their expression in the e-commerce landscape. Social comparisons can also affect women, particularly in highly visual online spaces like social media-driven platforms, which can induce feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). ...
: E-commerce as per its name suggests it is electronic commerce. This platform provides almost all goods and services commercially, or some can be free. This is an online mode, and it provides transactional, digital and business-related environments. However, when considering the emotional and economic journey of women using e-commerce, it’s important to look beyond the transactional nature of e-commerce to explore how it impacts the human experience of women—both emotionally and financially. This paper explores the emotional and economic journey of women engaged in e-commerce, highlighting the ways that digital platforms are changing their roles in business, society, and personal life. Over the past decade, e-commerce has become a potent instrument for women to achieve financial independence, create entrepreneurial ventures, and overcome traditional barriers to appear her present in the business world. However, the economic impact is not the sole benefit. The paper also examines into the emotional transformation experienced by women, such as increased self-confidence, empowerment, and a sense of accomplishment that comes with managing and scaling online businesses. Drawing on qualitative data from case studies, interviews, and surveys, this paper scrutinizeshow women navigate the complex interplay of financial goals and personal fulfillment through their E-commerce ventures. It investigates the challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated digital space, including gender bias, digital literacy gaps, and balancing business with familial responsibilities. Furthermore, the study highlights the positive emotional outcomes—such as enhanced autonomy, self-expression, and community-building—that often accompany these entrepreneurial pursuits. By focusing on both the economic gains and the emotional rewards, this paper provides a holistic view of e-commerce as a transformative force for women. It argues that e-commerce not only fosters financial independence but also cultivates a sense of agency, pride, and emotional resilience. Finally, the paper offers guidance for enhancing support systems for women entrepreneurs in the digital economy, including targeted education, mentorship, and policy reforms aimed at addressing gender disparities in the e-commerce space. This research aims to contribute to the broader conversation on women's empowerment and the evolving role of digital commerce in promoting gender equity in the global economy.
... This strategy of sharing intimate aspects of their daily lives contributes to the creation of a cult around their image and lifestyle, in addition to turning their personalities and bodies into commercial products that merge the personal with the promotional, which can easily extend to the promotion of certain body standards related to physical image (Abidin, 2016). Furthermore, these publications promote the perception that their lives are perfect (Chou & Edge, 2012) and reinforce unrealistic beauty standards (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013). (71) is the influencer who talks most about her daily life, showing her transfers, life in her house and paid collaborations that even include other members of her family, she also shows her friends and her boyfriend, generally in a positive key; followed by Fernanda Villalobos (49), who is dedicated to music but uses her Instagram account to show her daily life, the clothes she buys and her interpersonal relationships, always highlighting moments of joy and fullness; and Aida Domènech (40), who explains the progress of her pregnancy, how she misses her wife or declares her love for her, congratulates her mother on Mother's Day, shows photos of her childhood, recounts moments at home watching television, explains when she goes shopping, shows moments she spends with her friends, etc. ...
Introduction: Social media are the most popular among young people: they identify with the content and feel they are part of a collective. We analyze the content of the main influencers in Spain and Chile to find out: 1) what they talk about and identify whether it is informational, educational or entertainment content; 2) determine its quality and whether it eventually leads to misinformation and tends to trivialization; and 3) reflect on the quality of the content and how it can affect the configuration of young people's media diet. Methodology: Twelve accounts of influencers on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube were analyzed through 439 contents. A comparative content analysis combining qualitative and quantitative methods was proposed. Results: Influencers talk about a wide variety of topics, but they prioritize their personal lives from an entertainment perspective. The poor quality of the content is noted, which tends to trivialization. Discussion: Although the study on the impact of social media on the mental health of young people is extensive, less research focuses on analyzing the content of influencers and how they influence their followers. Conclusions: Identifying this trivialization of content can contribute to the development of public policies and training programs in media literacy and encourage the regulation and self-regulation of content on social media, due to the impact on the mental health of young people, who are building their identity.
... Elias and Gill (2017) discuss the concept of the "selfie gaze," where individuals engage in self-surveillance to ensure their appearance aligns with online standards. This can lead to appearance anxiety, where women feel distressed if they don't meet the visual expectations set by digital media (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). Social media platforms constantly expose users to curated and filtered images, reinforcing unrealistic beauty ideals. ...
This study aims to understand how Generation Z in Jakarta perceives beauty as constructed by social media, with a focus on beauty standards often shaped by homogeneous representations. These standards influence individuals' perceptions of beauty, which in turn shape their identity and self-image. This research employs Berger’s social construction theory to analyse how social media functions as a primary agent in shaping perceptions of beauty. A qualitative-descriptive approach is employed to explore the experiences and perceptions of Generation Z regarding these beauty standards. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and content analysis of social media. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, with a total of six people chosen as informants and actively consuming beauty content on social media. They come from diverse backgrounds to provide a more comprehensive perspective. The findings indicate that social media, particularly Instagram, plays a significant role in internalizing homogeneous beauty standards, such as fair skin and slim bodies. However, a growing resistance movement among Generation Z advocates for diversity and inclusivity in defining beauty. This study highlights the importance of critical education regarding the impact of social media on beauty perceptions and the need to introduce more diverse and unrestricted representations of beauty.
... Previous studies have found that girls are more likely than boys to experience negative thoughts and emotions in response to cyberbullying (Kowalski & Limber, 2013). Additionally, in relation to social pressures associated with the ideal of beauty, girls may be more likely to experience body-related shaming, self-objectification, and appearance-related pressures, which can lead to negative emotional and behavioral reactions (Fardouly et al., 2018;Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). Lastly, it is possible that girls are more likely to report the experience of online shaming and the negative response associated with it, which is then reflected in the differences in reporting and help-seeking behaviors (Kowalski & Limber, 2013). ...
With the growing use of social networks, online body shaming is becoming a widespread and often socially acceptable phenomenon. However, unlike cyberbullying, the consequences of online body shaming are largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of behavioral, relational and cognitive-emotional responses to the experience of online body shaming. The study included a population-based cohort of 9441 adolescents aged 11–17 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the research team utilizing multiple-choice questions. The experience of online shaming was categorized based on whether it focused on the victims’ online presentation, appearance, or physical constitution. The results showed that 25.84% of teenagers had experienced online body shaming. We observed up to 50% prevalence of relational responses in both online and offline space and 25–45% prevalence of cognitive-emotional responses, primarily associated with depression- and anxiety-like feelings. This was accompanied by up to 15% prevalence of psychosomatic problems and substance use. These responses were significantly more prevalent in girls. Body shaming targeting teenagers’ physical constitution resulted in up to 21 times higher odds of negative responses compared to body shaming with a different focus. These findings suggest that online body shaming can have similarly detrimental effects on mental health, social functioning, and self-perception as cyberbullying.
... Por ejemplo, Buunk, A.P. et al. (2005) encontraron que las puntuaciones en comparación social eran superiores en las mujeres, y que además prestan mayor atención a su aspecto físico que los varones (Carlson, K.J., Eisenstat, S.A. y Ziporyn T.D. 2004). Siguiendo estos hechos, Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2013), señalan que exponerse a imágenes idealizadas en redes, ya sea en cuanto a nivel de vida, relaciones o apariencia física entre otros, afecta negativamente a la autoestima de las mujeres y aumenta el tiempo y la intensidad de uso. De modo que, la adolescente puede recibir validación desde estas plataformas, dónde la comparación social es constante y dónde la preocupación por el aspecto físico pasa a ser algo fundamental dentro de las redes. ...
El uso generalizado de internet y la popularización de las redes sociales ha cambiado la manera en la que muchas personas se relacionan entre sí e interactúan con la realidad. La alta prevalencia de uso y abuso de estas plataformas en adolescentes nos indican lo atractivas que resultan para este grupo etario, quienes, por sus características psicológicas y sociales, corren un mayor riesgo de desarrollar un uso problemático. La presente revisión sistemática busca identificar factores de riesgo asociados al uso problemático de redes sociales en adolescentes, siguiendo el método PRISMA. Se incluyeron un total de 22 estudios de diferentes países, que aportaron factores sociodemográficos, conductuales, de personalidad, patológicos y familiares que aumentan el riesgo de uso problemático de redes sociales en jóvenes de 10 a 20 años.
... Mereka juga sering merasa terabaikan dibandingkan dengan keluarga ataupun teman sesama beauty content creator lainnya (Akbar et al., 2023) Hal ini mendorong mereka untuk mengejar penampilan yang sesuai dengan standar ideal tersebut, yang dapat berisiko pada penurunan citra tubuh, terutama bagi mereka yang intensitas perbandingan sosialnya tinggi (Marlinda et al., 2022). Penelitian lain juga menunjukkan bahwa beauty content creator sendiri mengalami tekanan dari perbandingan sosial yang dilakukan terhadap mereka, yang dapat memengaruhi cara mereka menampilkan diri mereka, yang dapat memengaruhi cara mereka menampilkan diri dan berinteraksi di media sosial (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). Selain itu, tekanan untuk memenuhi standar kecantikan yang dihasilkan oleh perbandingan sosial ini dapat mengarah pada stress dan gangguan kesehatan mental di kalangan beauty content creator, karena mereka merasa perlu terusmenerus memenuhi ekspektasi yang sering kali tidak realistis (Cohen & Irwin, 2021). ...
Social media has changed the way individuals view their body image, especially for beauty content creators who are influencers who play a role in forming online beauty and lifestyle communities that are often exposed to ideal beauty standards. This study aims to measure the effect of social comparison and perfectionism on body image in beauty content creators in the @beautychannel.id beauty community. This study involved 121 respondents who were taken using a simple random sampling technique which was then analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results showed that social comparison and perfectionism together had an effect of 30.6% on body image, with social comparison having an impact of 25.5% and perfectionism of 9.9%. The results of this study indicate that the higher the social comparison and perfectionism possessed by beauty content creators, the higher the dissatisfaction with body image.
... Furthermore, the effects of social media use on body image and self-esteem are noteworthy. Studies indicate that social media use is associated with risk factors such as body dissatisfaction and negative body image (Fardouly et al., 2015;Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). While the direct examination of how different types of social media use influence the relationship between social comparison and loneliness is still developing, several studies provide valuable insights. ...
While the link between social comparison and loneliness is well-documented, the influence of different social media behaviors on this relationship remains underexplored, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study examined how creating, sharing, consuming, and communicating on social media moderate the relationship between social comparison and loneliness. Data were collected from 525 individuals across 25 provinces in Türkiye and analyzed using moderation analyses. Results indicated that upward social comparison was positively related to loneliness. However, active behaviors, such as content creation and sharing, were found to weaken this link. Conversely, passive behaviors, such as scrolling and browsing, were observed to strengthen the association and correspond with higher levels of loneliness. These findings suggest that fostering active and meaningful social media engagement can reduce loneliness.
... Behavioral predictors such as academic stress and social network addiction were also identified as significant risk factors. Academic stress is a major source of psychological burden, encompassing not only direct challenges from coursework and exams but also deeper anxieties about career uncertainties [67,68]. The accumulation of academic stress may lead to burnout and feelings of helplessness, thereby increasing depression risk. ...
Background
Depression is highly prevalent among college students, posing a significant public health challenge. Identifying key predictors of depression is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to analyze potential depression risk factors among Chinese college students using the Random Forest Algorithm (RFA) and to explore gender differences in risk patterns.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 10,043 undergraduate students from Guizhou Normal University. Thirty-three variables were analyzed using RFA. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), with a score of ≥ 16 indicating depression risk. The variables included sociodemographic characteristics, physical and psychological health indicators, behavioral and lifestyle factors, socioeconomic conditions, and family mental health history.
Results
The RFA identified several factors associated with depression risk, with suicidal ideation, anxiety, and sleep quality exhibiting the strongest associations. Other significant predictors included academic stress, BMI, vital capacity, psychological resilience, physical fitness test scores, major satisfaction, and social network use. The model achieved an accuracy of 87.5% and an AUC of 0.927. Gender-stratified analysis suggested different patterns: physical fitness indicators showed stronger associations with depression risk among male students, while BMI was more strongly associated with depression risk among female students.
Conclusions
This cross-sectional study identified factors associated with depression risk among Chinese college students, with psychological factors showing the strongest associations. Gender-specific patterns were observed, suggesting the importance of considering gender differences when developing mental health interventions. However, longitudinal studies are required to establish causal relationships and validate these findings through intervention trials.
... Furthermore, self-objectification theory posits that women are more prone to internalising societal objectification, viewing themselves from an external perspective and often fixating on physical attributes. This heightened selfobjectification can adversely affect women's well-being, leading to body shame and dissatisfaction (Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997;Tiggemann and Slater, 2013). Physical activity has been shown to mitigate self-objectification among women by shifting focus towards body functionality and capabilities rather than appearance (Homan and Tylka, 2015). ...
Interest in positive body image stems from its contrast with negative body image. Research shows self-compassion and physical activity enhance body appreciation and positive well-being, yet their interaction in young adults is not well understood. This study examined connections between self-compassion, planned physical activity and intrinsic exercise motivations in 386 adults aged 18–39 ( M age = 27.54; SD = 5.58). Path analysis and serial mediation analysis revealed positive associations between self-compassion, planned physical activity, body appreciation and positive well-being, with notable sex differences. In men, self-compassion was linked to planned physical activity through intrinsic exercise motivations, which improved positive well-being via body appreciation. For women, planned physical activity indirectly influenced positive well-being through body appreciation. These findings underscore the importance of integrating sex-specific factors into health psychology interventions aimed at promoting positive body image. They also suggest avenues for future research to enhance well-being through targeted self-compassion and physical activity strategies.
... Moreover, the rise of intersectional feminism and LGBTQ+ activism within digital spaces has contributed to the proliferation of counter-narratives that intersect with issues of gender and wellness on Instagram. Counter-narratives on social media may offer alternative viewpoints that challenge mainstream discourses, empower marginalised communities, redefine identity, promote inclusivity, and highlight underrepresented experiences (e.g., Stryker, 2008;Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). Although the visibility and resonance of these counter-narratives underscore a shifting paradigm within the discourse, our results show the dominance of content related to normative patterns regarding gender and bodies. ...
The concept of “wellness” and its associated representations have become key aspects of modern culture, with social media platforms like Instagram playing a significant role. Not only do these platforms serve as spaces for the public expression of wellness-related topics, but they also influence public perceptions. This becomes particularly meaningful when these expressions are linked to gender. Our research explores how wellness and gender are depicted in popular Instagram posts. By analysing 300 public Instagram posts tagged with #wellness from 2023, we investigate whether traditional notions of gender and bodies are challenged or reinforced. Wellness is a multifaceted process, but our findings show that users often adhere to a narrow concept. To understand these representations, we focused on posts tagged with #wellness, particularly those in the physical category. The study employed a digital methods approach (Rogers, 2013) and thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2021), uncovering three primary themes: Practices & Workout, Body & Expressions, and Clothing & Adornment. Predominantly, all themes in the context of wellness depict gender in a binary form and bodies as thin or athletic. These traditional gender and body norms are perpetuated on Instagram, reinforcing societal standards of beauty and body image. Instagram’s engagement logic preferentially promotes content conforming to dominant societal norms, strengthening these patterns. Alternative or counter-narratives, while they exist, often face challenges in gaining visibility due to both algorithmic biases and cultural predispositions. Although Instagram has the potential to offer a platform for such counter-narratives, our findings indicate that normative content continues to dominate in terms of visibility and engagement.
... In the context of individual sports, where athletes' performances often hinge on aesthetic considerations alongside athletic prowess, body image perceptions may exert a profound impact on self-esteem, motivation, and competitive outcomes (Greenleaf & Petrie, 2010;Brewer et al., 2017). Conversely, in team sports, athletes operate within a collective framework wherein social comparison, team dynamics, and media influences may shape body image perceptions differently (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014;Mond et al., 2004). ...
The primary objective of the present study was to compare individual and team sportspersons on body image and emotional intelligence and to correlate the body image and emotional intelligence was another goal of the study. There were 50 Individual sportspersons (Boxing and Wrestling) and 50 team sportspersons (Hockey and Handball) were selected as the sample from the various district of Haryana. The participants' ages varied from 18 to 25 years old. For the assessment of the body image 'Body Image Scale' developed by Dr. Rakesh Behmani (2018) and 'Mangal Emotional Intelligence Inventory' by SK Mangal (2011) for the assessment of emotional intelligence was used. Group statistics, t test and correlation were applied for the statistical analysis. And a significant difference observed between individual and team players on body image and no significant difference was found on emotional intelligence. It is observed that individual players exhibited more body image issues than team sportspersons.
... However, BFFIs have also faced criticism for their selfpresentation on Instagram. Exposure to these influencers is related to increased body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem among female (Tiggemann and Slater, 2013) and male (Tiggemann and Anderberg, 2020) consumers. While following BFFIs can be negatively connected to mental health and body image satisfaction due to constant comparisons with unreachable ideals, it can have a positive relation when perceived as inspiring and motivating Panjrath and Tiwari, 2021). ...
Introduction
Social media influencers focussing on beauty, fashion, and fitness topics (BFFI) are important opinion leaders on Instagram. Nevertheless, they are criticized for their potential negative influence on their followers' physical and mental health due to their potentially biased self-presentation. Previous research has mainly focused on followers' perceptions of influencers' self-presentation, leaving a gap regarding the influencers' views.
Method
The present survey included 26 female BFFIs from Germany (18–35 years old), with 16 self-reported micro-influencers (10,000–100,000 followers) and ten macro-influencers (>100,000 followers), representing (semi-)professionals in this domain. 17 influencers saw their main focus in the field of fitness, 16 in fashion, and 13 in beauty. The survey included demographic information, open-ended questions, established and self-developed rating scales, and a social desirability assessment to examine the BFFIs' perceptions of their goals, self-presentation, and role model function. Quantitative data was examined via inter-correlation matrix and ANOVA, and qualitative data was analyzed via an established approach for qualitative content analysis.
Results
Influencers pursue mostly self-realization (50% of participants gave at least one related answer) and commercial goals (50%). While they generally perceive their self-presentation as authentic (84.6%) and positive (76.9%), they still see room for improvement in content creation (61.5%) and self-presentation (30.8%). Fear of negative feedback, absence of positivity and motivation, wrong cooperation partners (30.8% each) and insecurity (23.1%), among others, may lead to a less authentic self-presentation and use of picture editing. The tendency toward socially desirable responses (impression management) is negatively connected to the reported frequency of image editing tools used and attempts to appear authentic. Influencers reported several examples of responsible and irresponsible behaviors and strategies to avoid negative effects on their followers. The type of influencer (micro or macro level) showed a significant effect on the importance attributed to one's own role as an influencer.
Discussion
The complex findings suggest potential conflicts between the influencers' goals and the expectations of followers and cooperation partners. Influencers find themselves in a dual role as users and producers. This results in concrete behavioral challenges for them, but also in implications for established theories of media use.
Introduction: Overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of overweight and obesity on the psychosocial functioning and physical activity levels of children and adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted among 100 children and adolescents aged 9–18 from three institutions in the Podkarpackie Province: a primary school, a hospital ward, and a health resort. An original questionnaire was used, containing questions about body image, emotions related to eating, self-esteem, and physical activity. All participants were classified into appropriate BMI categories based on anthropometric data. Results: The analysis showed that 48% of respondents admitted to eating meals in secret, and 5% did so every day for a month. As many as 65.82% of participants stated that their body shape affects the way they think about themselves, and more than two-thirds felt frustrated with their figure. Statistically significant differences were observed in the perception of one’s own body and the level of its acceptance depending on the BMI category. In addition, 58.58% of respondents did not engage in physical activity to control their weight. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are associated with a negative body image, low self-esteem, unhealthy eating habits, and low levels of physical activity. The obtained results can be used by medical personnel, educators, and educational institutions to develop effective prevention programs aimed at counteracting the negative consequences of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.
This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of understanding of a healthy diet and the perception of body image among female university students. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive approach, the research involved 90 female students selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) to measure dietary knowledge and body image perception, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using the Spearman’s rho correlation test due to non-normal distribution in one variable. The results revealed a very strong and significant positive correlation (r = 0.968, p 0.001) between the level of dietary knowledge and positive body image perception. These findings indicate that a higher understanding of healthy dietary practices is associated with more positive and realistic body image perceptions among female students. The study emphasizes the critical role of nutritional education in fostering healthy lifestyle habits and improving psychological well-being, suggesting the need for integrated health and nutrition education programs within higher education institutions to support students' holistic development.
The satisfaction with life among college students is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various factors. This research investigates the influence of physical activity on the life satisfaction of college students, with a particular focus on the mediating effects of emotional regulation and physical self-esteem. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, the study surveyed 614 freshman students at a vocational college in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The assessment tools included the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Physical Self-Esteem Scale (PSPP), and the Adolescent Emotional Regulation Ability Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27, encompassing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, independent sample t-tests, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis, while controlling for gender and ethnicity. The findings revealed significant gender disparities in physical activity levels, physical self-esteem, and life satisfaction among the college student population. The mediation analysis showed that although the direct effect of physical activity on life satisfaction was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), its indirect effects through emotional regulation (β = 0.0269, P < 0.001) and physical self-esteem (β = 0.0837, P < 0.001) were highly significant. Moreover, physical activity positively predicted life satisfaction through the combined mediating pathway of emotional regulation and physical self-esteem (β = 0.0049, P < 0.001). Therefore, the study concludes that while the direct impact of physical activity on college students’ life satisfaction might be subtle, its positive effects are primarily channeled through the mediation of emotional regulation and physical self-esteem, offering valuable insights for institutions to enhance the overall well-being of their students.
El presente estudio aborda cómo los ideales de belleza promovidos por los medios de comunicación y las expectativas sociales influyen en la percepción que las estudiantes tienen sobre su propio cuerpo. La presión por cumplir estos estándares estéticos puede generar trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, baja autoestima y ansiedad, lo que afecta negativamente su bienestar físico y psicológico, pero sobre todo la violencia sociocultural que se normaliza. Desde esta persepectiva, se podrá generar conciencia sobre estos problemas y promover estrategias de apoyo psicológico y educación en salud mental en las universidades y así empoderar a las estudiantes para que desarrollen una imagen corporal positiva y puedan afrontar la violencia sociocultural de manera efectiva e inclusiva para hombres y mujeres.
The world is dominated by digital communication, social media platforms, and online appearance activities that contribute to the formation of individuals’ mental health and emotional adaptation. My article will delve into how social media affects our emotions, particularly in terms of self-presentation, social comparison, and their influence on mental wellness. We use available research and real-life cases to establish how content relating to looks affects one’s feelings as well as the way they view themselves.
Social media plays an indispensable role in the lives of today’s teenagers. Whether it’s WeChat (a popular Chinese social media and messaging app) for chatting, YouTube for news and knowledge, or TikTok and Instagram for relaxation and entertainment, social media has become an integral part of their daily routines. Modern teenagers place a high value on social interaction and connection with the outside world, making social media increasingly significant in their lives.
This article investigates how media strongly affects children’s psychological development and consumer behavior, with a focus on the role of social media, television, advertising, and digital platforms. Drawing on established theoretical frameworks such as Social Learning Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory, and Media Dependency Theory. The paper looks at how media shapes children’s social development, identity formation, and emotional well-being. The impact of advertising is critically examined, particularly in relation to the promotion of materialism and unhealthy habits among children. The role of parental mediation and media literacy in mitigating negative media effects is emphasized, beside the need for stronger regulatory policies to protect children from harmful content. Case studies from different media forms illustrate the dual nature of media, acting both as an educational tool and a driver of consumerism. Finally, the article concludes the importance of teaching media literacy through education and policy reforms to help children handle the digital world responsibly.
Objectives
This article aims to present a synthesis, through qualitative analysis, of selected quantitative studies that demonstrate the relationship between Instagram use and users' body image perception. These studies confirm such associations, with the phenomenon of Digital Body Dysmorphia being notably prominent. This involves a strong desire to resemble an edited image created with filters (Krasnova, H., Veltri, N. F., Eling, N., Buxmann, P., 2021, 390-396). R
Material and methods
This article aims to present a synthesis, through qualitative analysis, of selected quantitative studies that demonstrate the relationship between Instagram use and users' body image perception. These studies confirm such associations, with the phenomenon of Digital Body Dysmorphia being notably prominent. This involves a strong desire to resemble an edited image created with filters (Krasnova, H., Veltri, N. F., Eling, N., Buxmann, P., 2021, 390-396). Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) manifests as excessive preoccupation with appearance, often centered on perceived defects in specific features (Babiec 2023).
Results
Research indicates that women and young girls are particularly susceptible to decreased well-being due to comparisons with idealized body images seen on Instagram (Cohen, 2019, 104-107; Chae, 2017, 246-262; Tiggemann, M., Slater, A., 2014, 630-643). Men also experience reduced self-esteem and anxiety, comparing themselves to muscular, fit individuals featured on the platform (Daniel, S., Bridges, S. K., 2010, 493–508; Cohen, R., Newton-John, T., Slater, A., 2017, 1-14).
Conclusions
Viewing carefully curated photos depicting "ideal" bodies and fashion can evoke feelings of inadequacy among users, which is especially dangerous during adolescence when identity and self-esteem are forming.
Introducción: Los medios sociales son los más populares entre los jóvenes: se identifican con los contenidos y sienten que forman parte de un colectivo. Se analizan los contenidos de los principales influencers en España y Chile para saber: 1) de qué hablan e identificar si se trata de contenidos informacionales, educativos o de entretenimiento, 2) determinar su calidad y si, eventualmente, propician la desinformación y tienden a la banalización; y 3) reflexionar sobre la calidad de los contenidos y cómo pueden afectar en la configuración de la dieta mediática de los jóvenes. Metodología: Se analizan 12 cuentas de influencers en Instagram, TikTok y YouTube a través de 439 contenidos. Se propone un análisis comparativo de contenido que combina el método cualitativo y el cuantitativo. Resultados: Los influencers hablan de una gran variedad de temas, pero priorizan exponer su vida personal desde la vertiente del entretenimiento. Se constata la escasa calidad de los contenidos, que tienden a la banalización. Discusión: La investigación presenta como novedad que se fija en la calidad de los contenidos (más allá de los temas de los que se habla) y en cómo pueden influir en sus seguidores. Conclusiones: Identificar esta trivialización de los contenidos puede contribuir a desarrollar políticas públicas y programas formativos en alfabetización mediática y fomentar la regulación y autorregulación de contenidos en los medios sociales, por el impacto en la salud mental de los jóvenes, que están construyendo su identidad.
Background
The university period generally involves dropping out of sporting activities and higher levels of stress. However, studies addressing the consequences of these changes in the self‐esteem of university students are very scarce.
Aim
To determine the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary lifestyle and self‐esteem levels in university students, and to analyse the differences according to gender.
Design
Cross‐sectional online survey of 314 spanish university students.
Methods
Global self‐esteem was assessed with the Rosenberg self‐esteem scale. PA was measured using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ‐SF). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to evaluate differences between total self‐esteem values by PA categories (low‐moderate‐high). Pearson's correlation was used to analyse the association of global self‐esteem with the level of total PA and with a sedentary lifestyle.
Results
Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and self‐esteem scores were higher in men than in women. High levels of PA were positively correlated to self‐esteem in the total sample; and sedentary behaviour was inversely correlated to self‐esteem in the total sample and women. The differences between men and women in self‐esteem were not significant in participants that engaged in vigorous PA.
Conclusions
Engaging in PA was related to better self‐esteem. A sedentary lifestyle had a greater impact on women's self‐esteem. When women engage in vigorous physical activity, their self‐esteem equals that of men. These findings could serve as a basis for developing strategies to promote mental health through physical activity.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care
Our findings could help Mental Health Nurses, Community Health Nurses and university policymakers take steps to promote physical activity, with a gender perspective, within university curriculum enhancement strategies, with the goal of improving self‐esteem and mental health in young people during a critical period of transition to adulthood.
Impact (Addressing)
What problem did the study address?
This study addressed the relationship between the self‐esteem of university students and their physical activity levels, emphasising the role of sedentary behaviour and gender differences.
What were the main findings?
The practice of PA was associated with higher self‐esteem. The differences in self‐esteem between men and women were not significant among those who participated in vigorous physical activity. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle had a greater negative impact on women's self‐esteem.
Where and on whom will the research have an impact?
The implementation of physical activity programs in the university setting is a key factor in improving students' self‐esteem. These programs should be designed from a gender perspective to better address students' specific needs.
Additionally, nurses, particularly those working in mental health and community health, play a critical role in promoting physical activity as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for mental health issues. Integrating physical activity recommendations into routine health assessments and university‐based interventions could facilitate the early identification of students at risk of low self‐esteem and associated mental health challenges.
From a nursing perspective, structured exercise programmes, active breaks during classes and active learning methodologies that incorporate physical movement with academic content could contribute to creating a healthier university environment and improving students' psychological well‐being.
Reporting Method
This study adhered to the reporting guidelines for observational studies according to the STROBE (Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement.
Patient or Public Contribution
No patient or public contribution.
With the increase in technology and the proliferation of social media applications in the rise globally with a significant number of that population comprising of university students. Eating habits have also changed among university students, and while researchers have explored many causes of eating disorders, the correlation between social media use and eating disorders has been scantly addressed. This study explored the relationship between social media usage and eating disorders among university students in Langata Sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya. With the rise of social media usage, students increasingly turn to these platforms for academic, social, entertainment and information purposes, often replacing traditional face-to-face interactions. The study aimed to examine three key aspects of social media usage: frequency, forms, and functions, and how they relate to eating disorders. The objectives were to determine the relationship between the frequency of social media use,
This paper examines the representation of the female labor force in The God of Small Things, analyzing both women engaged in professional workplaces and those running small enterprises from home. The study investigates whether Indian women are depicted as diverse and multifaceted, reflecting real-life complexities, or whether they are portrayed through stereotypical lenses as victims, incompetent, and unskilled. Grounded in Gaye Tuchman's concept of symbolic annihilation, the analysis focuses on revealing trivialization, omission and condemnation of working women; it also incorporates Kate Millett's ideas from Sexual Politics to explore patriarchal power dynamics in intimate heterosexual relationships. The findings reveal that most women hold low-paying, subordinate positions with no authority, making them vulnerable to instability in their life. Women in the novel exhibit little interest in education, prioritizing marriage, romance, and courtship instead. Even Mammachi, the only financially independent female character, lacks control over her own life and remains subjected to her husband's dominance and violence. Additionally, the study highlights how sexual intimacy in the novel is intricately linked to power, with women feeling more empowered when their male partners occupy a lower social or cultural status.
Bu çalışma, sosyal medya kullanıcıları arasında yer alan kadın tüketicilerin İsrail ürünlerini satın alma davranışları ile boykot eğilimlerini çevrimiçi sosyal karşılaştırma teorisi çerçevesinde incelemektedir. Araştırma, Türkiye genelinde çevrimiçi olarak N=403 kadın tüketiciyle gerçekleştirilen anket yöntemiyle yürütülmüştür. Anket sonuçları, yapısal eşitlik modeli kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir ve basit aracılık modeli test edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, kadın tüketicilerin İsrail mallarını boykot etme eğiliminin belirgin olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca İsrail ürünlerini satın alma eğiliminin, çevrimiçi sosyal karşılaştırma süreçleri tarafından etkilendiği ve boykot niyetinin buna aracılık edildiğini ortaya konmuştur. Çevrimiçi sosyal karşılaştırma, kadınların sosyal medyada paylaşımlar ve yorumlar aracılığıyla birbirleriyle etkileşime girmelerini sağlamaktadır. Bu süreç, tüketicilerin toplumsal normlar ve değerler hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmelerine ve bu bilgilerin, satın alma kararları üzerinde etkili olmasına olanak tanımaktadır. Sonuç olarak, çalışma, kadın tüketicilerin sosyal medyadaki etkileşimlerinin, toplumsal ve politik duruşlarını nasıl şekillendirdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bağlamda, çevrimiçi sosyal karşılaştırmanın, bireylerin tüketim davranışlarını ve boykot kararlarını nasıl etkilediği konusunda önemli bir anlayış sunmaktadır. Gelecek araştırmalar, bu dinamiklerin daha geniş sosyal ve kültürel bağlamlarda nasıl geliştiğini incelemeyi gerektirmektedir.
Lingerie advertising has traditionally been targeted at women, emphasizing themes of sensuality, empowerment, and self-expression. However, men also play a significant role in lingerie consumption, both as buyers and as influencers in purchasing decisions. This study examines men’s perceptions of lingerie advertising in Indonesia, focusing on the Nipplets brand’s “Real People, Real Body” campaign through a video ad titled “Every Boobs Matters”, which promotes body inclusivity and self-confidence. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Indonesian men aged 20-45 to explore their responses to inclusive lingerie advertisements. The findings reveal that men’s perceptions are influenced by cultural and societal norms, with urban participants showing greater acceptance than those from conservative backgrounds. Additionally, participants appreciated campaigns that emphasized comfort over sensuality, marking a shift in traditional marketing narratives. This study contributes to gendered advertising research and provides practical insights for lingerie brands in navigating cultural sensitivities while promoting inclusivity in Indonesia.
Background
TikTok has become a significant influence on public health perceptions, especially regarding ADHD. With its expansive reach among younger demographics, TikTok content has the potential to shape public understanding and behaviors related to ADHD treatment. This study analyzed how prescription stimulants are depicted on TikTok to assess the potential influence of these portrayals on ADHD stimulant medication demand.
Methods
We employed a snowball sampling strategy to collect 1,000 TikTok videos related to prescription stimulants. A systematic content analysis was conducted on a refined dataset of 548 videos, identifying primary categories related to prescription stimulant portrayals.
Results
The videos, which predominantly featured young adults, mainly white and female, amassed an average of over 300,000 views per video. Our analysis uncovered four primary categories: Positive Effects, Negative Effects, Context of Use, and Systemic Challenges. Videos frequently depicted substantial improvements in daily functionality and emotional well-being attributed to prescription stimulants, with side effects presented as manageable. The context of use highlighted the broad applications of these medications in daily life, while systemic challenges focused on issues such as healthcare barriers, medication shortages, and stigma.
Conclusion
TikTok users’ portrayal of prescription stimulants were predominantly positive, emphasizing improved lifestyles, which may influence medication demand similar to direct-to-consumer advertising, particularly among young women. The depiction of systemic barriers underscores the complexity of accessing treatment, which may disproportionately affect individuals with ADHD and impact treatment adherence, warranting further research into audience reception of this content.
With rapid technological advances, social media has become an everyday form of human social interactions. For the first time in evolutionary history, people can now interact in virtual spaces where temporal, spatial, and embodied cues are decoupled from one another. What implications do these recent changes have for socio-cognitive phenotypes and mental disorders? We have conducted a systematic review on the relationships between social media use and mental disorders involving the social brain. The main findings indicate evidence of increased social media usage in individuals with psychotic spectrum phenotypes and especially among individuals with disorders characterized by alterations in the basic self, most notably narcissism, body dysmorphism, and eating disorders. These findings can be understood in the context of a new conceptual model, referred to here as ‘Delusion Amplification by Social Media’, whereby this suite of disorders and symptoms centrally involves forms of mentalistic delusions, linked with altered perception and perpetuation of distorted manifestations of the self, that are enabled and exacerbated by social media. In particular, an underdeveloped and incoherent sense of self, in conjunction with ‘real life’ social isolation that inhibits identify formation and facilitates virtual social interactions, may lead to use of social media to generate and maintain a more or less delusional sense of self identity. The delusions involved may be mental (as in narcissism and erotomania), or somatic (as in body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders, encompassing either the entire body or specific body parts). In each case, the virtual nature of social media facilitates the delusionality because the self is defined and bolstered in this highly mentalistic environment, where real-life exposure of the delusion can be largely avoided. Current evidence also suggests that increased social media usage, via its disembodied and isolative nature, may be associated with psychotic spectrum phenotypes, especially delusionality, by the decoupling of inter and intra-corporeal cues integral to shared reality testing, leading to the blurring of self-other boundaries.
This research examined the Dark Triad Personality factors, namely Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy in the online realm specifically focusing on university students’ participation in Facebook and Instagram. The sample consisted of three hundred and fifty undergraduate students, with ethical considerations ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of participants and emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation. In this study, the methods employed are correlational and cross-sectional, to understand the association between the dark triad and the use of social networking sites among students aged between 18 and 25 years old. Study subjects were purposively selected using the purposive sampling technique. Participants filled out surveys that included Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy related items and Facebook and Instagram usage involvement. The present study reported that Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism and Psychopathy) have a considerable contribution in social networking site (SNS) activities and adverse online activities. Demographic factors were also analyzed as important variables in usage of Facebook and Instagram, as well as the level of Psychopathy among users. The evidence shows that the intensity of the three traits, dark triads of personality, is directly related to the degree of engaging in manipulative and self-promoting activities online. The study also analyzed the discrepancies in SNS engagement and Dark Triad traits in relation to gender.
El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Autoeficacia en el Cuidado de la Salud Física en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud, además de complementar los datos obtenidos en el estudio de Ornelas et al. (2011). La investigación se llevó a cabo con 495 participantes, de los cuales 200 fueron mujeres (M = 18.6 años, DE = 1.7) y 295 hombres (M = 18.8 años, DE = 1.5). Se confirmó la estructura trifactorial propuesta (Alimentación, Salud Física e Hidratación) por Ornelas et al. (2011), a través del análisis factorial confirmatorio de la escala, siendo esta según resultados adecuada y congruente con los índices de ajuste esperados. Por otra parte, se analizó la precisión de la escala de acuerdo con el género, mediante el procedimiento del análisis de invarianza factorial, encontrando que la estructura factorial, las cargas factoriales y los interceptos, no muestran diferencias en la medición tanto a hombres como a mujeres. Sin embargo, se observan diferencias significativas en los valores de las medias obtenidas en la subescala de Alimentación y Salud Física, con puntajes superiores para el género masculino. Según los resultados la escala es adecuada para ser usada en universitarios del área de la salud, además se evidencia que la percepción de la autoeficacia presenta diferencias en relación con el género. Se concluye que futuras investigaciones deben explorar la validez de esta escala para reforzar sus aplicaciones en contextos educativos y de promoción de la salud.
This research paper aims to study the Fear of Missing Out (FoMo) among high school students. A total sample of 50 high school student (25 boys and 25 girls) were chosen for the study from Rudrapur city. The measurement tool used was Fear of Missing out (FoMo) developed by “Andrew K. Przybylski, Kou Murayama, Cody R. DeHann and Valerie Gladwell” in 2013. The t-test was used to analyze data and the result shows that there is no significant difference in FoMo among boys and girls. KEYWORDS: FoMo, Social Media, High school student, Gender.
Conversations about weight have emerged within society as a prevalent topic between social influencers, professionals, and families. Researchers have identified a connection between parental insecure attachment behaviors, emotional feeding, and overeating with their children. However, examining weight talk and body weight perception through the lens of attachment theory has yet to be conceptualized within the field of marriage and family therapy. This article explores attachment theory as a framework to conceptualize weight talk and body weight perception within parent–child relationships. The connections between attachment theory, insecure attachment, and various forms of weight talk and body weight perception within the family system are reviewed. This literature review aims to provide clinicians with a framework for understanding weight-related conversations and body weight perception from an attachment perspective to support and strengthen parent–child relationships in clinical settings. Recommendations are made for future research directions within weight talk and body weight perception literature.
The current research investigates the determinants of information avoidance in the use of mobile social applications (apps) from a social comparison perspective. It specifically examines how cognitive dissonance, emotional exhaustion, and gender differences shape the comparison process, ultimately leading to information avoidance. An online survey with 458 app users was conducted to collect data. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was employed to empirically test our proposed model. The findings indicate that social comparison serves as a significant source of cognitive dissonance and emotional exhaustion, which in turn lead to information avoidance within mobile social apps. Furthermore, gender differences positively moderate the relationship between social comparison and emotional exhaustion, with the effect being stronger for women than for men. This study enhances the understanding of information avoidance through the lens of social comparison by examining both cognitive and emotional dimensions. Additionally, it analyzes gender differences in social comparison, providing a more comprehensive view of how men and women engage with and are affected by comparison processes.
The development and validation of a new measure, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) is described. The EDI is a 64 item, self-report, multiscale measure designed for the assessment of psychological and behavioral traits common in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia. The EDI consists of eight sub-scales measuring: 1) Drive for Thinness, 2) Bulimia, 3) Body Dissatisfaction, 4) Ineffectiveness, 5) Perfectionism, 6) Interpersonal Distrust, 7) Interoceptive Awareness and 8) Maturity Fears. Reliability (internal consistency) is established for all subscales and several indices of validity are presented. First, AN patients (N = 113) are differentiated from female comparison (FC) subjects (N = 577) using a cross-validation procedure. Secondly, patient self-report subscale scores agree with clinician ratings of subscale traits. Thirdly, clinically recovered AN patients score similarly to FCs on all subscales. Finally, convergent and discriminate validity are established for subscales. The EDI was also administered to groups of normal weight bulimic women, obese, and normal weight but formerly obese women, as well as a male comparison group. Group differences are reported and the potential utility of the EDI is discussed.
This article reviews research pertaining to mass media as a causal risk factor for negative body image and disordered eating in females. The specific purpose is to clarify the impact of mass media by applying seven criteria that extend those of Kraemer et al. (1997) and Stice (2002). Although media effects clearly meet a majority of the criteria, this analysis indicates that, currently, engagement with mass media is probably best considered a variable risk factor that might well be later shown to be a causal risk factor. Recommendations are made for further research, with an emphasis on longitudinal investigations, studies of media literacy as a form of prevention, and clarification of psychosocial processes that moderate and mediate media effects.
The development and validation of a new measure, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) is described. The EDI is a 64 item, self-report, multiscale measure designed for the assessment of psychological and behavioral traits common in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia. The EDI consists of eight sub-scales measuring: 1) Drive for Thinness, 2) Bulimia, 3) Body Dissatisfaction, 4) Ineffectiveness, 5) Perfectionism, 6) Interpersonal Distrust, 7) Interoceptive Awareness and 8) Maturity Fears. Reliability (internal consistency) is established for all subscales and several indices of validity are presented. First, AN patients (N = 113) are differentiated from female comparison (FC) subjects (N = 577) using a cross-validation procedure. Secondly, patient self-report subscale scores agree with clinician ratings of subscale traits. Thirdly, clinically recovered AN patients score similarly to FCs on all subscales. Finally, convergent and discriminate validity are established for subscales. The EDI was also administered to groups of normal weight bulimic women, obese, and normal weight but formerly obese women, as well as a male comparison group. Group differences are reported and the potential utility of the EDI is discussed.
With over 800 million active users, Facebook is changing the way hundreds of millions of people relate to one another and share information. A rapidly growing body of research has accompanied the meteoric rise of Facebook as social scientists assess the impact of Facebook on social life. In addition, researchers have recognized the utility of Facebook as a novel tool to observe behavior in a naturalistic setting, test hypotheses, and recruit participants. However, research on Facebook emanates from a wide variety of disciplines, with results being published in a broad range of journals and conference proceedings, making it difficult to keep track of various findings. And because Facebook is a relatively recent phenomenon, uncertainty still exists about the most effective ways to do Facebook research. To address these issues, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature search, identifying 412 relevant articles, which were sorted into 5 categories: descriptive analysis of users, motivations for using Facebook, identity presentation, the role of Facebook in social interactions, and privacy and information disclosure. The literature review serves as the foundation from which to assess current findings and offer recommendations to the field for future research on Facebook and online social networks more broadly.
© The Author(s) 2012.
Studies suggest that adolescent girls are going online in droves and that theWeb sites of teen magazines are among their top destinations. This qualitative analysis of the Web sites of CosmoGIRL!, Teen People, Seventeen, and Teen magazines identified three major themes: Beauty is a requirement, beauty can be achieved only through the purchase of products, and we can help you find the right products. The use of youth-targeted language, combined with offers of expert advice in the management of beauty problems, suggests that these sites wish to present themselves as friends rather than marketers of beauty products. Like their print counterparts, the sites may play an important role-in a private, personalized, and interactive setting-in reinforcing the messages concerning the centrality of female beauty inWestern societies.
Since its launch in February 2004, Facebook has become one of the most popular websites in the world, as well as a widely discussed media phenomenon. Unsurprisingly, the Facebook revolution has inspired a wealth of psychological study, which is growing exponentially. In this article, we review the recent empirical research into some of the key psychological themes concerning Facebook use. The review is organized according to common questions about Facebook culture and use being posed by academics and social commentators alike. These questions are grouped under three major themes, namely: (a) antecedents of Facebook use; (b) how individuals and corporations use Facebook; and (c) psychological outcomes or effects of Facebook use. To this end, we review over 100 recent publications (mostly empirical, peer-reviewed journal articles). We conclude by providing some suggestions for future psychological research in this rapidly expanding area of popular media culture. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The relationship between social comparison and body dissatisfaction was examined using meta-analysis. Several demographic and methodological variables were examined as potential moderators. Data from 156 studies (189 effect sizes) showed that social comparison was related to higher levels of body dissatisfaction. The effect for social comparison and body dissatisfaction was stronger for women than men and inversely related to age. This effect was stronger when social comparison was directly measured rather than inferred. No differences emerged for the presence of eating psychopathology, study design, or object of comparison. Results confirm theory and research suggesting that comparing oneself unfavorably to another on the basis of appearance may lead to dissatisfaction with one's own appearance. Moderator variables refine our understanding of the social comparison-body dissatisfaction relationship. These constructs and their relationship should be explored further in future studies.
Research suggests that exposure to mass media depicting the thin-ideal body may be linked to body image disturbance in women. This meta-analysis examined experimental and correlational studies testing the links between media exposure to women's body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and eating behaviors and beliefs with a sample of 77 studies that yielded 141 effect sizes. The mean effect sizes were small to moderate (ds = -.28, -.39, and -.30, respectively). Effects for some outcome variables were moderated by publication year and study design. The findings support the notion that exposure to media images depicting the thin-ideal body is related to body image concerns for women.
The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ) was developed to assess women's recognition and acceptance of societally sanctioned standards of appearance. In Study 1, factor analyses revealed two clearcut factors: awareness/acknowledgment of a societal emphasis on appearance and an internalization/acceptance of these standards. These findings were cross-validated in Study 2, resulting in a six-item Awareness subscale (alpha = .71) and an eight-item Internalization subscale (alpha = .88). Study 3 obtained good convergence between both scales and multiple indices of body image and eating disturbance. Regression analyses indicated that both factors accounted for unique variance associated with body image and eating dysfunction, however, internalization of standards was a stronger predictor of disturbance. The SATAQ should prove useful for researchers and clinicians interested in body image and eating disorders. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The development and validation of a new measure, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) is described. The EDI is a 64 item, self-report, multiscale measure designed for the assessment of psychological and behavioral traits common in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia. The EDI consists of eight subscales measuring: Drive for Thinness, Bilimia, Body Dissatisfaction, Ineffectiveness, Perfectionism, Interpersonal Distrust, Interoceptive Awareness and Maturity Fears. Reliability (internal consistency) is established for all subscales and several indices of validity are presented. First, AN patients (N=113) are differentiated from femal comparison (FC) subjects (N=577) using a cross-validation procedure. Secondly, patient self-report subscale scores agree with clinician ratings of subscale traits. Thirdly, clinically recovered AN patients score similarly to FCs on all subscales. Finally, convergent and discriminant validity are established for subscales. The EDI was also administered to groups of normal weight bulimic women, obese, and normal weight but formerly obese women, as well as a male comparison group. Group differences are reported and the potential utility of the EDI is discussed.
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between several aspects of television viewing, in particular total exposure, selective viewing of specific genres, and motives for viewing, with body attitudes among adolescents. Participants were 1,452 secondary school students who completed questionnaire measures of eating disorder attitudes and symptomatology, internalization of appearance ideals, appearance schemas, and uses of television. Participants also provided a detailed account of their television watching in the previous week, from which measures of total exposure and viewing of specific genres were generated. It was found that total television time was not related to any body image variable for either boys or girls. However, the time spent watching soap operas was related to drive for thinness in both genders. This relationship was mediated by internalization and appearance schemas. The time spent watching soap operas and music videos was also related to drive for muscularity in boys. Three major components of television usage were identified: entertainment, social learning, and escape from negative affect. The latter two uses had substantial correlations with negative outcomes for both genders. The similar pattern of correlations observed for boys and girls suggests that similar processes are operating in the two genders. It was concluded that television watching does have an impact on young people's sense of body image but that the critical aspects are the type of material and motivations for watching, not the total amount of television watched.
Adolescents are currently the defining users of the Internet. They spend more time online than adults do, and they use the Internet for social interaction more often than adults do. This article discusses the state of the literature on the consequences of online communication technologies (e.g., instant messaging) for adolescents' social connectedness and well-being. Whereas several studies in the 1990s suggested that Internet use is detrimental, recent studies tend to report opposite effects. We first explain why the results of more recent studies diverge from those of earlier studies. Then, we discuss a viable hypothesis to explain the recent findings: the Internet-enhanced self-disclosure hypothesis. Finally, we discuss some contingent factors that may deserve special attention in future research.
This study is one of the largest and most comprehensive publicly available sources of information on the amount and nature of media use among American youth: (1) It includes a large national sample of more than 2,000 young people from across the country; (2) It covers children from ages 8 to 18, to track changes from childhood through the transitional "tween" period, and on into the teenage years; (3) It explores a comprehensive array of media, including TV, computers, video games, music, print, cell phones, and movies; (4) It is one of the only studies to measure and account for media multitasking--the time young people spend using more than one medium concurrently; and (5) It gathers highly detailed information about young people's media behavior, including responses to an extensive written questionnaire completed by the entire sample, plus results from a subsample of approximately 700 respondents who also maintained week-long diaries recording their media use in half-hour increments. Finally, because this is the third wave of the Kaiser Family Foundation's studies of children's media use, it not only provides a detailed look at current media use patterns among young people, but also documents changes in children's media habits since the first two waves of the study, in 1999 and 2004. It is hoped that the data provided here will offer a reliable foundation for policymakers trying to craft national media policies, parents trying to do their best to stay on top of their children's media habits, and educators, advocates and public health groups that are concerned with the impact of media on youth, and want to leverage the educational and informational potential of media in young people's lives. Appended are: (1) Tables; (2) Changes in Question Wording and Structure Over Time; (3) Toplines; and (4) Sample of Media Use Diary.
Body image issues are at the core of major eating disorders. They are also important phenomena in and of themselves. Kevin Thompson and his colleagues provide an overview of a wide variety of body image issues, ranging from reconstructive surgery to eating disorders. The book will be a valuable resource for even the most established researchers in the field, as it is filled with data, information about assessment tools, and a thorough treatment of virtually all major theoretical perspectives on the development of body image and their implications for treatment and prevention. At the same time, the authors' decision to include numerous experiential anecdotes makes the book easily accessible to those just entering the field who are trying to understand the nature of these phenomena. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The primary aim of the study was to examine the relationship between media exposure and body image in adolescent girls, with
a particular focus on the ‘new’ and as yet unstudied medium of the Internet. A sample of 156 Australian female high school
students (mean age = 14.9years) completed questionnaire measures of media consumption and body image. Internet appearance
exposure and magazine reading, but not television exposure, were found to be correlated with greater internalization of thin
ideals, appearance comparison, weight dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness. Regression analyses indicated that the effects
of magazines and Internet exposure were mediated by internalization and appearance comparison. It was concluded that the Internet
represents a powerful sociocultural influence on young women’s lives.
KeywordsInternet exposure-Body image-Internalization of thin ideals-Tripartite influence model-Media exposure-Adolescents
Social networking sites are popular among and consistently used by adolescents. These sites present benefits as well as risks to adolescent health. Recently, pediatric providers have also considered the benefits and risks of using social networking sites in their own practices.
The current study provides a comprehensive analysis of the content of advertisements on Web sites targeted at adolescents, with a particular focus on the female beauty ideal.
Advertisements (N = 631) from 14 Web sites popular with adolescents were analyzed with respect to product advertised, characteristics of people presented, and emphasis on appearance and the thin beauty ideal.
Although a wide variety of products were featured, advertisements for cosmetics and beauty products were the most frequent. Further, many of the products advertised (e.g., dating services, weight loss products, gambling games) might be considered inappropriate for the intended audience (i.e., teenagers) of the Web site. People who were a part of advertisements were generally female, young, thin, and attractive. Advertisements for games, weight loss products, and cosmetic and beauty products strongly focused on appearance and laid emphasis on the thin ideal.
Like advertisements in mainstream media, advertising on the Internet perpetuates the stereotypical ideal of feminine beauty. Adolescents using the Internet are likely to be exposed to numerous advertisements that reinforce the importance of beauty and thinness, which could have a detrimental impact on how they feel about their bodies.
Objectified body consciousness (OBC)—the tendency to view oneself as an object to be looked at and evaluated by others—has received recent attention as a possible vulnerability factor for depression and disordered eating. Although OBC generally is discussed in developmental terms, extant research has examined primarily the experiences of undergraduates and adults. Our goal in this study was to develop an age-appropriate measure to allow study of OBC development during preadolescence and adolescence. We modeled the OBC-Youth after McKinley and Hyde’s (1996)
OBC-Classic to measure three components of OBC: body surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs. The 14-item scale contains modified vocabulary and syntax to make it appropriate for use with preadolescent and adolescent youth. Results indicate that the OBC-Youth scale is a reliable, valid measure of OBC. Initial findings about the correlates of OBC in preadolescence are discussed.
The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ) was developed to assess women's recognition and acceptance of societally sanctioned standards of appearance. In Study 1, factor analyses revealed two clearcut factors: awareness/acknowledgment of a societal emphasis on appearance and an internalization/acceptance of these standards. These findings were cross-validated in Study 2, resulting in a six-item Awareness subscale (alpha = .71) and an eight-item Internalization subscale (alpha = .88). Study 3 obtained good convergence between both scales and multiple indices of body image and eating disturbance. Regression analyses indicated that both factors accounted for unique variance associated with body image and eating dysfunction, however, internalization of standards was a stronger predictor of disturbance. The SATAQ should prove useful for researchers and clinicians interested in body image and eating disorders.
Children of the digital revolution. Canberra: Australian Government
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Social Trends June 11: Children of
the digital revolution. Canberra: Australian Government, 2011.
Development and validation of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire
- Heinberg