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Negative comparisons about one's appearance mediate the relationship between Facebook usage and body image concerns
Jasmine Fardouly1, Lenny R Vartanian1
1School of Psychology, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
Body Image
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Young women using Facebook experience more body image concerns. This is linked to comparing their appearance to others, especially peers, on the social media platform.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Social media use, particularly Facebook, is widespread among young women.
- Body dissatisfaction is a common issue within this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the connection between Facebook usage and body image concerns in female university students.
- To determine if appearance comparisons on Facebook mediate this relationship, considering general comparisons and specific social groups.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with 227 female university students.
- Examined the relationship between time spent on Facebook and body image concerns.
- Tested mediation by appearance comparisons (general, specific groups, upward comparisons).
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between Facebook usage and body image concerns.
- Appearance comparisons, especially upward comparisons to distant peers and celebrities, mediated this relationship.
- Frequency of comparisons to close friends and distant peers also played a mediating role.
Conclusions:
- Increased Facebook usage among young women is associated with heightened body image concerns.
- Appearance comparison, particularly upward comparisons to peers and celebrities on Facebook, significantly contributes to body dissatisfaction.
- The findings highlight the impact of social media interactions on self-perception and body image in young women.
Keywords:
Appearance-related social comparisonBody dissatisfactionComparison target groupDrive for thinnessFacebookSocial mediaMore Related Videos
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