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Adonis on the Apps: Online Objectification, Self-Esteem, and Sexual Minority Men
Aaron S Breslow1, Riddhi Sandil1, Melanie E Brewster1
1Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University.
Psychology of Men & Masculinity
|June 3, 2024
Summary
Mobile dating app use among sexual minority men (SMM) is linked to increased objectification and body dissatisfaction. More apps used correlated with negative self-perceptions and lower self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Mobile dating apps have reshaped social connections for sexual minority men (SMM).
- These platforms may foster objectification and exacerbate body image issues prevalent in this demographic.
- Objectification theory provides a framework to understand these online experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between mobile dating app usage and online objectification among SMM.
- To test objectification theory's tenets in the context of digital interactions.
- To investigate the psychological impacts of app use on body image and self-esteem in SMM.
Main Methods:
- A path model was analyzed using data from 230 SMM.
- Measures included app usage patterns, online objectification, internalization of attractiveness standards, body surveillance, body satisfaction, and self-esteem.
- Statistical analyses explored direct and indirect relationships between these variables.
Main Results:
- The number of dating apps used was positively associated with objectification, internalization, and body surveillance.
- Increased app use was negatively related to body satisfaction and self-esteem.
- Indirect effects were observed through internalization, body surveillance, and body satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the expansion of objectification theory to online environments and SMM.
- Mobile dating app use, particularly the number of apps, significantly impacts SMM's psychological well-being and body image.
- Implications for future research, clinical practice, and digital platform design are discussed.
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