Abstract

As social media becomes more prevalent, body dissatisfaction and mental health issues have increased, particularly among young people. This conference paper explores the impact of social media on body image perceptions, focusing on body dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and mental health concerns. Drawing on research findings, it highlights how exposure to idealized images and objectification of women in traditional and social media platforms can lead to negative self-perceptions and contribute to mental health disorders. Further, the paper highlights possible solutions to address these challenges, including initiatives such as The Body Project and the Dove Self-Esteem Project, which promote a positive body image and self-esteem. Finally, the paper stresses the need to cultivate a culture of diversity, acceptance, and self-acceptance in order to reduce the negative effects of social media on mental health and body image.

Introduction

The pervasive influence of social media on body image perceptions and mental health underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions and societal changes to promote positive body image, self-esteem, and mental well-being among adolescents and young adults, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity and self-acceptance in the digital age. Social media has witnessed a surge in popularity across various demographics in developed nations over the past decade, facilitating widespread comparisons to unattainable beauty ideals. Research indicates that such exposure to social media content can contribute to negative body image perceptions and unhealthy eating habits, potentially leading to severe mental health issues. The images propagated by the media often present unrealistic standards, fostering feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among individuals. This distortion of reality, commonly observed on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, shapes individuals’ perceptions of body types in a detrimental manner. Mills (2017) defines body image as a multifaceted construct encompassing one’s perceptions and feelings regarding body size and shape. This paper aims to explore the influence of online social networks on individuals’ body image perceptions, with a specific focus on body dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and mental health ramifications. Furthermore, it proposes potential solutions to address these challenges and promote a healthier relationship with body image in the digital age.

Negative Effects of Social Media on Body Image: Body Dissatisfaction and Self-Objectification

First of all, social media contributes heavily to the promotion of negative body image, especially body dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and social comparison.The idea of promoting unrealistic body images may bring out some advantages to help viewer got motivation but I believe that the disadvantages is out waged the advantages. According to Tiggemann (2022) several studies have found that exposure to idealized images displayed in traditional media formats, such as fashion magazines and television, has a detrimental effect on women’s body image, especially for women whose body image is already high. Research indicates that social media exposure, particularly on Facebook, is associated with negative effects.  Unlike traditional media formats, social media mainly generates content from peers and is interactive as well. Levine and Murnen (2009) and Want (2009) attribute social media’s negative effects to social comparison, similar to traditional media. In fact, Tiggemann (2020) argue that social comparisons tend to be relevant to social media because the targets are largely peers, not fashion models. Consequently, individuals seek comparisons with similar rather than dissimilar others in order to evaluate themselves (Festinger, 1954). Instagram users, however, tend to upload only their ‘best’ photos, those carefully selected, taken, and edited so as to maximize their attractiveness (Chua and Chang, 2016; Dumas et al., 2017). It results in dissatisfaction with one’s own body and appearance when one compares himself or herself with Instagram ‘peers.’

The media frequently objectifies women by prioritizing their physical appearance over their personality or capabilities (Aubrey & Frisby, 2011; Baker, 2005, as cited by Fardouly et al 2015, p447) According to Fredrickson and Roberts (as cited by Fardouly et al 2015, p447), as outlined in objectification theory, exposure to media that objectifies women can result in them internalizing an observer’s viewpoint, leading to self-perception of their bodies as objects of scrutiny. Based on objectification theory, self-objectification can cause negative outcomes, such as body shame and anxiety, which in turn can lead to depression, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders.

There are several reasons why women may be influenced by media usage to objectify themselves. The first link between higher levels of self-objectification and greater use of sexually objectifying media is that these media emphasize women’s physical appearance and encourage women to maintain their appearance (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997 as cited by Fardouly et al 2015, p447). In addition, women are often portrayed in the media in a highly sexualized manner, with images showing their subordinate roles, male gazes, and images of their bodies without their faces showing. Seeing other women being sexually objectified in the media may lead to women feeling objectified themselves (Harper & Tiggemann, 2008). Additionally, women’s tendency to compare their appearance to others in the media may lead to self-objectification because of exposure to objectifying media which, in turn, increases the salience of their own appearance (Tylka & Sabik, 2010 as cited by Fardouly et al 2015, p447).

One study revealed that increased time spent on social networking sites, fashion magazines, and music videos, but not television, was linked to higher levels of self-objectification among female high school students (Vandenbosch & Eggermont, 2012 as cited by Fardouly et al 2015, p448). Similarly, Slater and Tiggemann (2015) found that time invested in social networking sites, along with objectifying magazines but not general internet or television use, was correlated with increased self-objectification. Another study focused specifically on Facebook usage and found that greater exposure to photographs on the platform was associated with self-objectification in adolescent girls (Meier & Gray, 2014 as cited by Fardouly et al 2015, p448). These findings collectively indicate the significance of examining social media, particularly Facebook, concerning self-objectification. Facebook not only offers ample opportunities for self-comparisons, potentially more than in everyday life, but also such comparisons to one’s own images on the platform may be especially objectifying because they involve viewing oneself from an observer’s standpoint. Moreover, these comparisons to past images of oneself might intensify attention on specific body parts, further contributing to self-objectification.

There is no doubt that social media platforms are associated with many unintended consequences, especially in promoting negative body image and dissatisfaction with one’s body.

Research Evidence Linking Social Media Usage to Self-Objectification and Body Dissatisfaction

Secondly, as a result of social media posts, negative body images, especially mental health issues, are encouraged in society. Choukas et al. (2022) stated that in recent years, rates of mental health symptoms have increased among teenagers, especially females and adolescents. Choukas et al. (2022) highlighted a concerning trend: in recent years, there has been a notable increase in mental health issues among teenagers, particularly among females. These issues encompass depression, eating disorders, and thoughts or behaviors related to suicide. This rise has sparked widespread public debates, including congressional hearings and legislative actions aimed at curbing the potentially harmful impact of social media use on teenage mental well-being. The authors propose that social media acts as a “perfect storm” exacerbating body image issues among girls, facilitated by features such as idealized peer images, quantifiable feedback, and the convergence of adolescent developmental factors and sociocultural gender norms emphasizing physical appearance.

Researchers suggest a significant link between adolescent female social media usage and mental health issues, positing that body image concerns may serve as a mediating factor. In recent years, rates of depression among teenagers have surged, and disordered eating behaviors, particularly among girls, have become more prevalent. These phenomena are often attributed to the perception of a disparity between one’s own body and the idealized body promoted by parents and influencers in media.

Furthermore, social comparison facilitated by internet-based media, where individuals view idealized images of peers or models, contributes to feelings of insecurity regarding body image. This can lead to a decrease in body esteem and overall dissatisfaction with one’s appearance (Franchina & Lo Coco, 2018; Jones, 2001). Adolescents, in particular, engage in self-evaluation and derive self-esteem by comparing themselves to others, especially concerning physical attributes, which are critical aspects of self-assessment during adolescence. Body dissatisfaction has been associated with unhealthy eating and exercise habits, as well as eating disorders and reduced self-esteem. Studies suggest that women and adolescents who use social networking and the Internet are more prone to experiencing concerns about body image and engaging in disordered eating behaviors compared to those who do not (Holland & Tiggemann, 2016). While empirical evidence regarding body dissatisfaction is somewhat limited and mainly correlational, it underscores the significant impact of social networks, particularly on young people and women, in shaping perceptions of body image and contributing to mental health issues.

The Role of Education and Awareness Programs

Lastly, body image concerns have flourished due to social media, with several solutions proposed to overcome them. Body image concerns can have profound and lasting impacts on individuals and society as a whole. They can contribute to the development of eating disorders, low self-esteem and mental health issues. Low self-esteem and negative self and body image have been identified as significant contributors to risk-taking behavior among adolescents. Teenagers with low self-esteem are often vulnerable to engaging in unhealthy behaviors and may be more susceptible to peer influence, while others may exhibit more self-centered tendencies. Additionally, the desire to enhance social status and gain approval from peers can lead many teenagers towards self-destructive behaviors (Golan et al.,2013).

Health promotion programs often target three common factors, known as prospective predictors, that are prevalent among adolescents: self-image, body image, and self-esteem. The development of a healthy self-image is a lifelong process that begins with learning self-acceptance and receiving affirmation and acceptance from others (Golan et al.,2013). Additionally, it can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and undermine self-acceptance, ultimately eroding the fabric of a healthy and inclusive society. To address these issues, it is crucial to implement comprehensive programs that focus on promoting positive self-image, body image, and self-esteem among teenagers. By fostering self-acceptance, teaching self-care practices, and providing a supportive environment, we can empower young individuals to develop a healthy sense of self and make positive choices for their well-being.

Initiatives and Interventions: Examples of Effective Programs

 For instance, the Dove Self-Esteem Project (https://www.dove.com/au/dove-self-esteem-project.html) encourages companies to stop using Photoshop in marketing campaigns in order to shift the focus away from unrealistic body image. In addition, it promoting body positivity and self-acceptance can be achieved through educations and awareness programs that emphasize the importance of diverse body types and challenge societal beauty norms. Furthermore, media platforms can play a crucial role by featuring more diverse and realistic representations of body types, promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. A group-based intervention, The Body Project (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/the-body-project/#:~:text=The%20Body%20Project%20is%20a,body%20image%20and%20self%2Desteem) provides high school girls and college-aged women with a forum for confronting unrealistic appearance ideals and developing healthy body images. Several studies have shown that it effectively reduces body dissatisfaction, negative mood, unhealthy dieting, and disordered eating. Through structured group discussions and activities, participants challenge unrealistic appearance ideals and learn to embrace diverse body shapes and sizes. Numerous studies have shown that the program effectively reduces negative mood, unhealthy dieting and symptoms of disordered eating while improving body image perceptions and self-esteem. By foresting peer support and utilizing cognitive-behavioural strategies, The Body Project empowers participants to develop healthier attitudes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, With a focus on body dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and mental health concerns, this article examines how online social networks affect people’s perceptions of their bodies and beauty standards. The pervasive influence of social media has significantly impacted body image perceptions, particularly among young people, contributing to a rise in body dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and mental health issues. The portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards and the prevalence of social comparison on platforms like Facebook and Instagram have perpetuated negative self-perceptions and exacerbated existing insecurities. Additionally, the objectification of women in media further reinforces harmful stereotypes and ideals.

However, amidst these challenges, there is hope for change. Initiatives such as The Body Project and the Dove Self-Esteem Project have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting positive body image and self-esteem among adolescents and young adults. By providing education, fostering peer support, and challenging societal beauty norms, these programs empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty and reject unrealistic standards imposed by media.

Moving forward, it is essential to continue advocating for diverse and inclusive representations in media and promoting critical media literacy skills among young people. By creating a culture that celebrates diversity and emphasizes self-acceptance, we can mitigate the harmful effects of social media on body image and mental health and foster a society where everyone feels valued and accepted, regardless of their appearance.

Reference list:

Choukas-Bradley, S., Roberts, S.R., Maheux, A.J. et al. (2022). The Perfect Storm: A Developmental–Sociocultural Framework for the Role of Social Media in Adolescent Girls’ Body Image Concerns and Mental Health. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 25, 681–701.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-022-00404-5

 

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). The Mediating Role of Appearance Comparisons in the Relationship Between Media Usage and Self-Objectification in Young Women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 39(4), 447-457. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684315581841

 

Franchina,V., Lo Coco G.(2018) The influence of social media use on body image concerns,X(1). https://iris.unipa.it/retrieve/handle/10447/528114/1265345/Franchina_Lo%20Coco%20Social%20media%20%26%20body%20image_2018.pdf

Golan M, Hagay N, Tamir S (2013) The Effect of “In Favor of Myself”: Preventive Program to Enhance Positive Self and Body Image among Adolescents. 8(11): e78223. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0078223

 

Levine, M. P.(2017). Perception of Beauty. https://www.intechopen.com/books/5925

 

Tiggemann, M., & Anderberg, I. 2020). Social media is not real: The effect of ‘Instagram vs reality’ images on women’s social comparison and body image. New Media & Society, 22(12), 2183-2199. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444819888720