Social Media and Body Image

Abstract

Social media is a communication channel that is becoming increasingly widespread. Its impact on people is gaining significance. Numerous studies have shown that social media activity can negatively affect people’s emotional states. The aim of this paper is to review the literature to examine the influence of social media on body image, which is viewed as the perception of one’s own body and the feelings and thoughts associated with it. Research review suggests that Facebook and Instagram use is associated with greater body image dissatisfaction. However, as the use of social media is not homogeneous and not all users are exposed to the same content, a more nuanced approach to measuring its use is required. If an individual follows physical appearance-based accounts on social networking platforms, their home pages will be filled with idealized representations of a human body, leading to more intense and frequent comparisons with other people. Such use unmistakably leads to negative body image, and the solution that stands out is education in media literacy which should develop critical and analytical skills in people.