A content analysis of thinspiration images and text posts on Tumblr

Wick, Madeline R.; Harriger, Jennifer A.

doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.11.005

Cited by 43 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Most images contain messages that glorify the thin or thin and toned ideals, as well as promote dietary restraint and exercise for appearance-motivated reasons (Boepple, Ata, Rum, & Thompson, 2016;Simpson & Mazzeo, 2017;Wick & Harriger, 2018). Given that fitspiration is designed to motivate exercise and health, one may assume that it is healthier than thinspiration.…”

Section: Appearance Ideals On Social Mediamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite these concerns, no research to date has systematically examined body positive content on social media to determine whether it does in fact promote what it intends. For example, fitspiration is ostensibly intended to promote health and fitness, yet content analyses have found that it promotes thinness and disordered eating Simpson & Mazzeo, 2017;Tiggemann & Zaccardo, 2018;Wick & Harriger, 2018). In addition, viewing such content has been found to be associated with greater body dissatisfaction and have no relationship with actual exercise behaviour (Robinson et al, 2017;Tiggemann & Zaccardo, 2015).…”

Section: Potential Negatives Of Body Positive Social Media Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram

et al. 2019

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In the last decade, the body image literature has begun to extend beyond a primary focus on body image disturbances and examine the construct of positive body image. Similarly, "Body positivity" is a growing social media trend that seeks to challenge dominant societal appearance ideals and promote acceptance and appreciation of all bodies and appearances.The present study provides a content analysis of body positive posts on Instagram. A set of 640 Instagram posts sampled from popular body positive accounts were coded for physical appearance-related attributes and central themes featured. Results showed that body positive imagery typically depicted a broad range of body sizes and appearances. Additionally, while a proportion of posts were appearance-focused, the majority of posts conveyed messages aligned with theoretical definitions of positive body image. This study clarifies body positive content on Instagram, as well as highlights points of overlap and distinction from academic principles of positive body image and other appearance-focused social media content. Accordingly, the results offer theoretical and practical implications for future research and prevention efforts.

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Section: Appearance Ideals On Social Mediamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Potential Negatives Of Body Positive Social Media Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram

et al. 2019

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“…In particular, it has been suggested that one of the possible underlying mechanisms of the association between PUI and EDs is the massive exposure to idealized stylized and toned body figures on social media (SM) [ 5 ]. Specifically, studies on emerging trends among young people have been suggesting that in SM (e.g., Facebook, Instagram), there are posts, often identified with the hashtag “thinspiration”, which contribute to idealize extremely thin bodies, and that the exposure to such contents is associated with attitudes, symptoms and beliefs that characterize EDs [ 18 – 20 ]. Further, it has been suggested that the increasing amount of posts identified with the hashtag “fitspiration” (i.e., contents shared to promote healthy messages focused on fitness, exercise, eating styles, physical appearance, and weight control) can emphasize unrealistic body image as well as unattainable habits, thus leading to negative feelings in relation to mood, self-esteem, body image and emotional well-being [ 18 , 21 – 25 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults

et al. 2021

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Purpose Although the association between problematic use of the internet and eating disorders (EDs) in young adults has been previously established, its underlying mechanisms have not been completely clarified. It has been suggested that exposure to idealized very thin and toned body images (e.g., “thinspiration” and “fitspiration” trends) on social media might lead to increased feelings of body dissatisfaction which, in turn, can represent a trigger for EDs. We have tested this hypothesis in a sample (N = 721) of young adults (504 females, mean age: 24.13 ± 3.70 years; range 18–34). Methods Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to social media addiction (SMA), muscle dysmorphia (MD), and EDs were used. A mediational model analyzing the direct and indirect effects of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms through the mediating role of MD-related symptoms was performed controlling for confounding factors (e.g., socio-demographic variables, substances use, body mass index, psychopathological distress). Results The model showed that the total effect of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms was significant (B = 0.213; p = 0.022) and that this association was mediated by MD-related symptoms (B = 0.083; p = 0.021). Discussion Our findings support the possibility that MD-related symptoms play a relevant role in mediating the association between SMA severity and ED pathology. Level of evidence Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

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“…Thinspiration promotes a skeletal body as a beauty ideal (Ghaznavi and Taylor, 2015). Content analyses of #thinspiration across social media platforms such as Tumblr and Instagram revealed that the majority of images contained extremely thin women, with accompanying text including themes of food restriction, purging, overexercising and fat phobia (Chancellor et al, 2016;Wick and Harriger, 2018). Over time, the negative influence of thinspiration on health was recognised and led to the eventual ban of #thinspiration on Tumblr and Instagram (Judkis, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An exploration of ‘fitspiration’ content on YouTube and its impacts on consumers

Ratwatte

Mattacola

2019

J Health Psychol

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The 'Fitspiration' movement may endorse problematic body image and behaviour. This study aims to expand the understanding of 'fitspiration' by examining its presence on YouTube. Analysis was conducted in accordance with Tiggemann and Zaccardo and Santarossa et al. Thematic analysis of videos revealed three themes; 'Fitness and beauty', 'Trust me-I'm a YouTuber', and 'Health for the right reasons'. Thematic analysis of comments revealed themes 'YouTube fitness community', 'Body appearance dissatisfaction', and 'YouTuber fitness role models'. Fitness YouTubers were found to promote unhealthy behaviours to achieve fitness, and commenters expressed belief in and replication of their advice.

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A content analysis of thinspiration images and text posts on Tumblr

Cited by 43 publications

References 20 publications

#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram

#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram

The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults

An exploration of ‘fitspiration’ content on YouTube and its impacts on consumers

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