Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Examining the Relationship Between Time Spent on Social Media Platforms and Body Image Concerns
Kavya Malhotra1, Stephanie Miles1,2,3, Eric J Tan4,5,6
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
Objective:
Research has suggested that a relationship may exist between frequent use of social networking sites (SNSs) and body dissatisfaction; however, there is a lack of research around newer SNS platforms with larger visual imprints, such as TikTok and Snapchat. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between time spent on different SNSs and body dissatisfaction.
Methods:
An online survey was completed by 199 participants.
Results:
A hierarchical linear regression did not reveal a significant relationship between overall time spent on SNSs and body dissatisfaction. A stepwise regression of time spent on individual SNSs revealed that only time spent on TikTok was significantly associated with body dissatisfaction.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that the type of SNSs used, and not the overall time spent on SNSs, may be driving relationships with levels of body dissatisfaction. Further research is required to clarify how different SNS types relate to body image.
Related Concept Videos
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
The Looking Glass Self
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects

