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A Longitudinal and Comparative Content Analysis of Instagram Fitness Posts
Jacqueline Ahrens1, Fiona Brennan1, Sarah Eaglesham1
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK.
Summary
Female fitness influencers on Instagram sexualize content more and show the fit ideal, while brands focus on fitness. Content evolved differently by account type between 2019-2021.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Body dissatisfaction is a significant mental health issue for women, linked to disordered eating.
- Social media, particularly image-centric platforms like Instagram, is popular among young adults.
- 'Fitspiration' content on social media may exacerbate body dissatisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Instagram content between female fitness influencers and brands.
- To analyze how this content evolved between 2019 and 2021.
- To investigate differences in fit ideal depiction, fitness focus, objectification, and sexualization.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal content analysis of 400 Instagram images from 2019 and 2021.
- Development of a specific coding scheme for image analysis.
- Statistical analysis (Chi-square tests) to compare content variables.
Main Results:
- Influencer content showed more sexualization and fit ideal portrayal; brand content had a greater fitness focus.
- No significant overall longitudinal changes were found for the coded variables.
- Fitness-focused influencer content increased, while fitness-focused brand content decreased over time.
Conclusions:
- Distinct differences exist in Instagram content produced by fitness influencers versus brands.
- Account type is a crucial factor to consider when examining social media's impact on body image.
- Future research should explore moderating factors in social media's effect on mental health.
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