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The Paradoxical Outcomes of Observing Others' Exercise Behavior on Social Network Sites: Friends' Exercise Posts,
Tricia J Burke1, Stephen A Rains2
1a Department of Communication Studies , Texas State University.
Health Communication
|January 25, 2018
Summary
Observing exercise posts on social network sites (SNSs) can paradoxically increase weight concerns, especially when posts are from similar individuals. However, it may also foster positive exercise attitudes for those prone to upward social comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Health Communication
Background:
- Social network sites (SNSs) are increasingly influential in shaping health behaviors.
- Understanding the psychological impact of observing online health behaviors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how exposure to others' exercise posts on SNSs affects individuals' weight concerns and exercise attitudes.
- To explore the moderating roles of social comparison and self-perceived similarity.
Main Methods:
- Survey research with 232 participants.
- Utilized social cognitive theory and social comparison theory frameworks.
- Assessed exposure to exercise-related SNS posts, weight concerns, and exercise attitudes.
Main Results:
- Exposure to exercise posts on SNSs showed a paradoxical effect, yielding both adaptive and maladaptive outcomes.
- Increased weight concerns were linked to higher numbers of exercise posts, particularly from similar individuals.
- Individuals with a tendency for upward appearance-based social comparisons reported more positive exercise attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Observing exercise behaviors on SNSs can lead to negative self-perception (weight concerns) and positive behavioral intentions (pro-exercise attitudes).
- The impact of SNSs on health attitudes and concerns is complex and depends on individual psychological tendencies and social context.