“Infecting” those we care about: social network effects on body image

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the forces at work that negatively influence the self-image perceptions of young women, causing them to strive for an “ultra-thin” ideal. Design/methodology/approach Focus groups explore why and how perceived self-image influences young women’s body and perceptions and, consequently, health. Thematic qualitative analysis explores the realm of information and emotions involved with the thin-ideal. Findings Social contagion theory emerged with a significant impact caused by network influencers and the spread of information and emotions within social networks forces that sustain the need to be ultra-thin, even though there is abundant knowledge about adverse effects. Research limitations/implications Future research should address limitations involving representativeness and generalizability. Practical implications Social marketing programs, including social media, should stress healthy eating habits while focusing on the importance of the self and de-emphasizing the “thin-ideal” image. Originality/value Results will assist in developing more informed and effective prevention programs, including social media campaigns, as preventative healthcare to reduce the risk of the spread of eating disorders and promote psychological health of at-risk young adults.

Social media, body image and food choices in healthy young adults: A mixed methods systematic review

“…A greater predisposition to engage in physical comparisons mediated relationships between image‐related exposure and body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, increased dieting . This finding was consistent across all SM platforms, cohorts, genders and locations . Comparisons made with female celebrities, had higher associations to body dissatisfaction followed by comparisons with close friends and distant peers …”

“…A variety of tools to measure BI and eating behaviour were used, with little overlap between the studies (Appendix S3). However, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), Objectified Body Consciousness (OBC‐Y) and Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (PACS) were the most frequently utilised measures.…”

“…Associations between both SM engagement and exposure to image‐related content and BI and food choice outcomes were explored in 31% of studies. Facebook and Instagram studies measured either neutral or negative engagement, and exposure to non‐specific, idyllic images, or selfies . Studies measured either both BI and food choice outcomes (n = 3), BI outcomes only (n = 3), or food choice outcomes only (n = 1) .…”

Embodied crises: cultural narratives, online social networks, and the mirror syndrome

“…Recent medical research, albeit incipiently, have indicated a positive association between the effects of social media use among young female university students and the development of the Mirror Syndrome, i.e., a mental disorder involving individuals' distorted perception about their physical appearance. According to Grover et al (2016), young women try to be in line with the idea of beauty promoted by social media influencers and, while doing so, naturalize the external psycho-emotional conditions to achieve a goal (e.g., having shiny white teeth; meeting certain body configurations; wearing a particular clothing size, manicure designs, amongst others) set by these social media influencers. This can, at times, end up developing several mental, emotional, and physical conditions such as depression, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), anxiety, social isolation, or loss of self-esteem.…”