Appearance-Related Social Networking Sites and Body Image in Young Women: Testing an Objectification-Social Comparison Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-392
Author(s):  
Veya Seekis ◽  
Graham L. Bradley ◽  
Amanda L. Duffy
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Appearance Anxiety ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Appearance Comparison ◽  
Social Appearance Anxiety

In this study, we drew on an integrated model of objectification and social comparison theories to test the associations between young women’s use of social networking sites and their body image concerns. A sample of 338 undergraduate women, aged 17–25 years, completed online questionnaire measures of engagement in three social networking site activities (browsing or following celebrity, fashion, and beauty sites, browsing or following fitspiration-related content, and placing importance on online “likes” and comments). Also assessed were upward appearance comparison, body surveillance, social appearance anxiety, and two indices of body image concerns (drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction). Structural equation modeling was used to test two competing models, both of which posited social appearance anxiety as the immediate precursor to body image concerns. In line with the integrated objectification-social comparison model, results supported a serial mediation model that comprised significant paths from two of the social networking site activities (browsing or following celebrity, fashion, and beauty sites, and placing importance on online “likes” and comments) through, in turn, upward appearance comparison, body surveillance, and social appearance anxiety, to drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Viewing fitspiration-related content was associated with body image concerns directly, rather than indirectly. Findings highlight objectification and appearance comparison factors as targets for future interventions regarding appearance-related social networking site use.

scholarly journals How the Exposure to Beauty Ideals on Social Networking Sites Influences Body Image: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Fioravanti ◽  
Sara Bocci Benucci ◽  
Giulia Ceragioli ◽  
Silvia Casale
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Body Positive ◽  
Appearance Comparison ◽  
Beauty Ideals

AbstractSharing and viewing photos on social networking sites (SNSs) have been identified as particularly problematic for body image. Although correlational research to date has established that SNS use is associated with increased body dissatisfaction, only experimental studies can enhance confidence in the conclusions drawn. For this reason, this systematic review synthesizes data from 43 experimental studies (N = 8637; %F = 89.56; mean age = 21.58 ± 1.78) examining the effect of viewing idealized images (i.e., attractive, thin, and fit) and body positive content on SNSs on body image. Two studies were conducted on adolescents. Each study had slight variations in how the images were presented for each category (e.g., selfies and photos taken by others). The wide variability in experimental stimuli and psychological moderators used in the published research make a systematic review more feasible and meaningful than a meta-analysis. Findings indicate that viewing idealized images on SNSs lead to increased body dissatisfaction among young women and men. State appearance comparison (i.e., engaging in social comparison while viewing images) significantly mediated the effect, whereas trait appearance comparison (i.e., the relatively stable general tendency to engage in social comparison) was a significant moderator. Mixed results were found regarding the exposure to body positive images/captions. Viewing images on SNSs depicting unattainable beauty ideals leads young people to feel dissatisfied about their bodies, with appearance comparison processing playing an important role. More research is required to assess the long-term effects.

scholarly journals #SocialMedia: Exploring the Relationship of Social Networking Sites on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Eating Disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 205630511770440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Santarossa ◽  
Sarah J. Woodruff
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Dependent Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study was to investigate whether problematic social networking site (SNS) use (i.e., degree of dependent relationship with SNSs), total SNS time/day, total SNS friends, and specific SNS activities were related to body image (BI), self-esteem (SE), and eating disorder (ED) symptoms/concerns. A sample of young adults ( N = 147) completed an online survey which measured SNS usage, problematic SNS use, BI, SE, and ED symptom/concerns. The findings revealed that females and males spent 4.1 ± 3.9 and 2.9 ± 2.8 hr on SNS, respectively, with the majority of time spent lurking (i.e., looking at another users’ profile but not actually communicating with them). Furthermore, problematic SNS use was found to be related to BI, SE, and ED symptoms/concerns. Moreover, SNS activities, such as lurking and posting comments on others’ profiles, were found to be related to BI, whereas SNS total time was found to be related to ED symptoms/concerns. Overall, this study demonstrates the possible correlational influence of SNSs on BI, SE, and ED symptoms/concerns.

scholarly journals An Exploration into the Impact of Social Networking Site (SNS) Use on Body Image and Eating Behavior of Physically Active Men

2020 ◽  
pp. 106082652091326
Author(s):  
Orla Flannery ◽  
Kerrie Harris ◽  
Ursula Anne Kenny
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

The rapid proliferation of social networking sites (SNSs) has transformed the way people now socialize and communicate. SNSs have been recognized to contribute to body image (BI) dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior (EB). Few qualitative studies have explored this issue in men. The aim of the current study was to investigate male SNS use and possible impacts on BI and EB. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight men in the United Kingdom. Interviews aimed to examine men’s views on the potential impact of SNSs on BI and EB. Data were thematically analyzed. Findings suggested that SNSs may be a useful nutrition idea tool and motivational platform for men to improve their diet and exercise uptake. However, results also indicated that SNS use may contribute to BI dissatisfaction and increased risk of disorder. Future research may identify risk factors of SNS use, male BI concerns, and eating pathology across the lifespan.

scholarly journals Passive social networking site use and well-being: The mediating roles of social comparison and the fear of missing out

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn Burnell ◽  
Madeleine J. George ◽  
Justin W. Vollet ◽  
Samuel E. Ehrenreich ◽  
Marion K. Underwood
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Fear Of Missing Out ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Site Use

Passively browsing social networking sites (SNSs) correlates with poorer well-being (Verduyn, Ybarra, Résibois, Jonides, & Kross, 2017). However, less research has been conducted that fully examines what factors may mediate this association. In particular, both online social comparison and the fear of missing out (FoMO) may play roles in how passive SNS browsing relates to depressive symptoms and self-perceptions. The current study adds to the literature by investigating how passive use relates to these outcomes through social comparison and FoMO. For an ethnically diverse sample of college students (N = 717, Mage = 21.47, SDage = 4.64, 69% female), passively using SNSs positively predicted social comparison, which was positively related to FoMO, which in turn positively predicted depressive symptoms, and negatively predicted global self-worth, self-perceived physical appearance, and self-perceived social acceptance. These findings suggest that social comparison and FoMO play a role in the link between passive SNS use, depressive symptoms, and self-perceptions, and that FoMO could result from online social comparison.

scholarly journals Facebook Use for Profile Maintenance and Social Grooming and Young Korean Women’s Appearance Comparison With Peers and Body Image Concerns

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 205630511877283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Won Kim
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Korean Women ◽  
Social Grooming ◽  
Weight Satisfaction ◽  
Facebook Use ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Appearance Comparison ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between Facebook use, appearance comparison with peers, and body image concerns among young Korean women. Focusing on two major types of social media activities (i.e., profile maintenance, social grooming), this study investigated whether these specific types of user activities would be significantly related to greater appearance comparison with peers, and in turn, would be linked to increased levels of body image concerns. An online survey ( N = 305) was conducted among young Korean women (aged 18–29) in Korea. Results indicated that the frequency with which Korean female participants engaged in profile maintenance and social grooming activities on Facebook was positively associated with appearance comparison with peers, and the mediation analysis revealed that appearance comparison mediated the relationship between Facebook use variables and body image concerns, such as lower weight satisfaction and greater drive for thinness. Theoretical and practical implications for these findings are further discussed.

Effects of Body Image on Internet Social Networking Site Self-Disclosure

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lila M. Inglima ◽  
Jason C. Zeltser ◽  
Eric Schmidt ◽  
M. Blair Chinn ◽  
Katherine Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Self Disclosure

Social Comparison Orientation and Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization: Roles of Envy on Social Networking Sites and Body Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110234
Author(s):  
Jingyu Geng ◽  
Yuhui Wang ◽  
Hongxia Wang ◽  
Pengcheng Wang ◽  
Li Lei
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Body Satisfaction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Slope Test ◽  
Social Comparison Orientation

Although some studies have explored the psychological and behavioral outcomes of social comparison orientation (SCO), few have explored the associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. The current study aimed to investigate the associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, and considered envy on social networking sites (SNS) as a mediator and body satisfaction as a moderator in these relations. To test our expectations, 941 adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years ( M = 13.15, SD = 1.18) completed multiple questionnaires, namely the Social Comparison Orientation Scale, the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory, an envy scale revised for the SNS context, and the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale. Correlation analysis revealed that cyberbullying perpetration and cyberbullying victimization were significantly and positively correlated with SCO and envy on SNS, and significantly and negatively correlated with body satisfaction. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that envy on SNS played a mediating role in the associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. The results of SEM and simple slope test analysis indicated that body satisfaction weakened the direct association of SCO with envy on SNS and further weakened the indirect associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization via envy on SNS. Specifically, individuals with high levels of SCO were more likely to feel envious on SNS, and further tended to bully others and be bullied online when they were dissatisfied with their bodies. In other words, positive body satisfaction protected individuals with high levels of SCO from cyberbullying perpetration and victimization by decreasing their feelings of envy on SNS.

Addiction to Social Networking Sites and User Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-91
Author(s):  
Hamed Qahri-Saremi ◽  
Isaac Vaghefi ◽  
Ofir Turel
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Big Five Personality Traits ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
User Behaviors ◽  
Person Centered Approach

Prior studies have primarily used "variable-centered" perspectives to identify factors underlying user responses to social networking site (SNS) addiction, their predictors and outcomes. This paper extends this perspective by taking a person-centered approach to examine (1) the prototypical subpopulations (profiles) of users' extent of SNS addiction and responses to it, (2) how affiliations with these profiles can explain user behaviors toward SNS use, and (3) how personality traits can predict affiliations with these profiles. To this end, we propose a typological theory of SNS addiction and user responses to it via two empirical, personcentered studies. Study 1 draws on survey data from 188 SNS users to develop a typology of users based on the extent of their SNS addiction and their responses to it. It further examines the relations between affiliation with these profiles and users' SNS discontinuance intention, as a typical behavioral response to SNS addiction. Study 2 uses survey data from 284 SNS users to validate the user typology developed in Study 1 and investigate its relations to users' Big Five personality traits. Our findings shed light on a typology of five prototypical profiles of SNS users-cautious, regular, consonant, dissonant, and hooked-who differ in their extent of SNS addiction and their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to it. Our findings also demonstrate how Big Five personality traits can predict user affiliations with these prototypical profiles.

scholarly journals Information disclosure, privacy behaviours, and attitudes regarding employer surveillance of social networking sites

IFLA Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-222
Author(s):  
Deirdre McGuinness ◽  
Anoush Simon
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Information Disclosure ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Privacy Settings ◽  
System Errors

This paper explores the use of social networking sites amongst the student population of a Welsh university, with particular respect to information-sharing and privacy behaviours, and the potential impact of social networking site checks by employers on future use of these sites. A mixed-methods research design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed to investigate the research question. Results demonstrated that participants were concerned with maintaining privacy online, and were careful with regards to posting and protecting information on social networking sites; however, protective measures were imperfect due to human and system errors. Most respondents were aware of social networking site surveillance, with many noting that this would have an impact on their future use; however, users are active in protecting their privacy through a combination of use of privacy settings and varied levels of information disclosure dependent on context.

Interactivity between Candidates and Citizens on a Social Networking Site: Effects on Perceptions and Vote Intentions

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Brewer ◽  
Michael Habegger ◽  
Ruby Harrington ◽  
Lindsay H. Hoffman ◽  
Philip Edward Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Site Effects ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Political Candidates ◽  
User Comments

AbstractVoters and political candidates increasingly use social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook. This study uses data from an online posttest-only experiment (N = 183) in analyzing how exposure to supportive or challenging user comments on a fictional candidate's Facebook page influenced participants’ perceptions of and willingness to vote for the candidate, as well as whether candidate replies to each type of user comments affected these outcomes. Participants who viewed a page with supportive comments and “likes” reported more favorable perceptions of and greater support for the candidate, relative to participants who viewed a page with challenging comments. Thus, the appearance of interactivity between a candidate and other users on the candidate's Facebook page can shape the responses of those viewing the page. However, exposure to candidate replies to either supportive or challenging comments did not lead to significantly more favorable perceptions or a greater likelihood of voting for the candidate.

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