Social comparisons on social media: online appearance-related activity and body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls

Lorraine Swords · Elizabeth Nixon

155 citations0/0 files storedIrish Journal of Psychological Medicine

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Eating Disorders and Behaviors Impact of Technology on Adolescents Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents' engagement with online social networking platforms is advancing at an exponential rate and research is needed to investigate any impact on young users' mental health. This study examined appearance-related activity (e.g. looking at photos of friends) on social media and body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls. METHODS: Self-report measures of online appearance-related activity, social comparisons to female target groups, internalization of the thin ideal, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem were administered to 210 girls (mean age = 15.16 years). RESULTS: Body dissatisfaction was significantly related to (i) time spent engaged in social comparisons and (ii) upward social comparisons with various female targets while online. Evaluating oneself less favorably than the target group of close friends was most strongly associated with poorer body image appraisals. Serial multiple mediation analysis revealed that even after controlling for age and self-esteem, time spent engaged in social comparisons significantly mediated the relationship between online appearance-related activity and body dissatisfaction. This association was then further partially mediated by internalization of the thin ideal, which significantly mediated the relationship between time engaged in social comparisons and body dissatisfaction. DISCUSSION: Results are discussed in terms of online social media platforms representing an additional appearance culture environment for adolescent girls. The effects of this on the mental health of vulnerable users and how future research should investigate protective factors that may buffer young girls from the adverse effects of social media are considered.

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References

1965Society and the Adolescent Self-Image 1954A Theory of Social Comparison Processes 1959Identity and the life cycle 1997Objectification Theory: Toward Understanding Women's Lived Experiences and Mental Health Risks 1983Development and validation of a multidimensional eating disorder inventory for anorexia nervosa and bulimia 2007Handbook of Child Psychology 1999Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance.2008The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies.

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2024Mechanisms linking social media use to adolescent mental health vulnerability 2021Processing Body Image on Social Media: Gender Differences in Adolescent Boys’ and Girls’ Agency and Active Coping 2021Predictors of Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery: Instagram Images-Based Activities, Appearance Comparison and Body Dissatisfaction Among Women

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