Skinny Is Not Enough: A Content Analysis of Fitspiration on Pinterest

Abstract

Fitspiration is a relatively new social media trend nominally intended to promote health and fitness. Fitspiration messages are presented as encouraging; however, they might also engender body dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise. This study analyzed fitspiration content (n = 1050) on the image-based social media platform Pinterest. Independent raters coded the images and text present in the posts. Messages were categorized as appearance- or health-related, and coded for Social Cognitive Theory constructs: standards, behaviors, and outcome expectancies. Messages encouraged appearance-related body image standards and weight management behaviors more frequently than health-related standards and behaviors, and emphasized attractiveness as motivation to partake in such behaviors. Results also indicated that fitspiration messages include a comparable amount of fit praise (i.e., emphasis on toned/defined muscles) and thin praise (i.e., emphasis on slenderness), suggesting that women are not only supposed to be thin but also fit. Considering the negative outcomes associated with both exposure to idealized body images and exercising for appearance reasons, findings suggest that fitspiration messages are problematic, especially for viewers with high risk of eating disorders and related issues.

Young People�s Experiences of Viewing the Fitspiration Social Media Trend: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

“…The issues of frustration, guilt and feeling addicted to viewing Fitspirational posts are novel insights emerging from the current study. Negative effects of exposure to Fitspiration on self-esteem, body image and disordered eating have been demonstrated [3] and speculated upon [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] previously and the accounts of our participants are in line with these studies and also the proposition that social comparison on the basis of appearance is one of the routes by which Fitspiration produces negative psychological effects [3].…”

“…The existing literature is limited, given the newness of the trend, but has centred around the concerning nature of the images and content and possible effects on mental health (including disordered eating), body image and self-esteem. A number of studies using content analysis have concurred in finding that Fitspiration posts perpetuate pervading body image ideals (very lean females, very muscular men), are sexually objectifying, and tend to emphasise appearance over health [7][8][9][10][11]. However, Deighton-Smith's [11] analysis also identified some potentially positive features including the emphasis placed on personal control and commitment, and the building of a sense of community and social support.…”

Male Body Image Portrayals on Instagram

“…Other similar studies (focused on women and gay men) also clearly show that being thin and muscular for appearance-related reasons is highly promoted on social media platforms. 10,13,14 Based on these previous findings, we hypothesized that the same trend could be observed for men in general on Instagram. Building on these studies, we also hypothesized that being lean muscular would be related to higher engagement levels (i.e., more likes and more comments) on Instagram-as those are hypothesized to function as social rewards on Instagram.…”

“…11,12 Through modeling, male Instagram users can identify and reinforce their own values about eating, physical activity, and body shape. 13 Simpson and Mazzeo 13 proposed that when behaviors (e.g., exercise) are promoted on social media, users learn to associate both norms (e.g., exercise to enhance appearance) and outcomes (e.g., being attractive) to these behaviors. Furthermore, behaviors are more likely to be replicated when those behaviors are socially rewarded-with functions, such as likes and comments, embodying social rewards on social media.…”

“…Furthermore, behaviors are more likely to be replicated when those behaviors are socially rewarded-with functions, such as likes and comments, embodying social rewards on social media. Simpson and Mazzeo 13 found that Pinterest posts promoted appearance-related norms and behaviors more often than health-related ones, while also emphasizing appearance-related outcomes. While their study's focus was on women, it confirmed the suitability of the SCT and its constructs (norms, promoted behaviors, and outcome expectancies) for analyzing social media posts related to body image/appearance.…”