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LITERATURE REVIEW
ESSAY WRITING
Anushka Yadav
21120175
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The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Satisfaction and Self-Perception
The extensive impact of social media on individuals' contentment with their body image
and self-perception has garnered significant attention in current study. The objective of this
literature review is to consolidate findings from multiple research in order to gain a full
understanding of the intricate correlation between the use of social media and problems related to
body image. In particular, we investigate the impact of being exposed to idealized pictures,
participating in appearance-focused activities, utilizing social media filters, and engaging in
online communities on the development of emotions of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one's
physical appearance.
Exposure to Idealized Images and Social Comparison
Perloff (2014) highlights the significance of taking into account individual variations and
socio-cultural aspects when understanding the influence of social media on satisfaction with
body image. Perloff emphasizes the importance of using interdisciplinary methods and
conducting longitudinal studies to accurately study the ever-changing nature of social media
interactions and their impact on body image perceptions over a period.
In their 2015 study, Fardouly et al. conducted a substantial investigation into the
correlation between social comparisons on Facebook and the body image worries and mood of
young women. Their study unveiled a substantial association between the frequency of social
comparisons on Facebook and increased body image issues among young women. Furthermore,
they discovered that participating in such comparisons was linked to adverse emotional states,
intensifying worries about body image.
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Tiggemann and Slater (2014) investigated the correlation between the level of
involvement with Facebook and the extent of body image problems among teenage girls. Their
research uncovered a significant correlation between the amount of time individuals spend on
Facebook and an elevated level of unhappiness with their own bodies. This connection is mostly
driven by the influence of social comparison processes. These findings highlight the harmful
consequences of being exposed to idealized images and participating in social comparisons on
social media platforms such as Facebook. Prolonged exposure to meticulously selected
photographs might foster sentiments of insufficiency and discontentment with one's own
physique, especially among susceptible demographics like adolescent females.
Appearance-Focused Activities on Social Media Platforms
In their study, Cohen et al. (2017) examined the correlation between engagement in
appearance-focused activities on popular social media platforms such as Facebook and
Instagram, and the development of body image problems among young women. Their research
revealed a direct link between involvement in activities centered around appearance and
unhappiness with one's body image, emphasizing the harmful consequences of such behaviors on
overall satisfaction with one's physical appearance.
Research has shown that the use of social media filters has a detrimental impact on body
image satisfaction. It has been found that those who use filters have lower self-esteem and feel
more dissatisfied with their bodies when exposed to filtered photos. Furthermore, the importance
of cultural norms and societal standards on the impact of social media filters on body image
satisfaction emphasizes the necessity for culturally sensitive ways to resolving body image
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concerns that are intensified by social media.
Self-Objectification and Online Communities
Moreover, there is a correlation between media exposure, participation in extracurricular
activities, and receiving appearance-related comments, and the phenomenon of self-
objectification among teenage girls. These factors collectively contribute to an increased
awareness of their bodies and a tendency to view themselves as objects. Slater and Tiggemann
(2014) conducted a study to assess the ability of these factors to predict self-objectification in
female teenagers, providing significant knowledge about body image issues in this specific
group.
Pro-anorexia websites, which promote and idealize unhealthy eating habits, have been linked to
worsening body image issues in susceptible groups, underscoring the importance of increased
awareness and regulation of this type of information on the internet.
Alternative Perspectives and Interventions
Although social media has a strong impact on how people perceive their body image,
there are differing viewpoints that question traditional beauty ideals. These opinions highlight
the significance of supporting inclusive and empowering portrayals in media and popular culture.
In their study, Yager et al. (2013) performed a systematic review to assess the efficacy of body
image programs used in secondary schools. This research offers useful insights into effective
ways for addressing body image concerns among young individuals in educational settings. The
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research conducted by Yager et al. (2013) highlights the significance of including evidence-
based treatments in secondary schools to encourage a favorable perception of one's physique.
Overall, the literature emphasizes the intricate connection between the use of social
media and the level of satisfaction with one's body image. This emphasizes the importance of
specific treatments and cultural awareness in addressing body image concerns that are intensified
by social media platforms. Gaining insight into the harmful consequences of being exposed to
idealized pictures, participating in appearance-focused activities, and engaging in online
communities is essential for fostering a healthy body image and self-perception in the era of
digital technology.
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[Link]
Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015, March). Social
comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns
and mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45. [Link]
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Holland, G., & Tiggemann, M. (2016, June). A systematic review of the impact of the use of
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