A picture is worth a thousand words: The effect of viewing celebrity Instagram images with disclaimer and body positive captions on women's body image

Integrating social media, body shame and psychological distress within the Elaborated Sociocultural Model

The Elaborated Sociocultural Model proposes exposure to sociocultural appearance pressures increases women's internalisation of the thin ideal, their engagement in social comparison and body surveillance, and subsequent body dissatisfaction and disturbances in eating (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al., 2011). Although this model has received some empirical support, it is limited in that it does not currently account for social media as a contemporary source of appearance pressure, nor include additional known outcomes of thin ideal internalisation (i.e., body shame, psychological distress). The current study tested the integration of these variables within the Elaborated Sociocultural Model. Using structural equation modelling with latent variables, the extended model provided acceptable to good fit to the data in a sample of 271 female participants. A latent variable representing sociocultural appearance pressures originating from social media, traditional media, family and peers was found to significantly predict thin ideal internalisation and body image concerns. Furthermore, both social comparison and body surveillance emerged as indirect mediators of the relationship between thin ideal internalisation and body image concerns, which in turn, increased report of restrained eating and psychological distress. Aligning with previous research, this extended model offers a useful and comprehensive framework for investigating women's body image.

The Impact of Following Instagram Influencers on Women's Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Symptoms

According to the Tripartite Influence Model, social media is one of the primary sources influencing women's body dissatisfaction. However, the role of social media influencers as a potential driver for impacting users' body image evaluation when disseminating content on social networks has been little investigated. The present research aims to explore the relationship between following three Instagram influencers (i.e., nutrition, fitness, and entertainment) and eating disorder (ED) symptoms and body dissatisfaction among a group of female users. A sample of 5060 women (mean age = 35.33 ± 9.33) were recruited with the collaboration of three Italian influencers, and self-reported questionnaires were administered. Women who followed the nutritional influencer account reported significantly higher scores on ED symptoms and body dissatisfaction than women who followed the fitness and entertainment influencer accounts (η2 = 0.05 and η2 = 0.02, respectively). Overall, following nutrition and fitness accounts (compared to entertainment accounts) and spending more time daily on social networks positively predicts ED symptoms (β = 0.28, p < 0.001, β = 0.10, p < 0.001, β = 0.11, p < 0.001, respectively) and body dissatisfaction (β = 0.07, p < 0.001, β = 0.04, p < 0.001, β = 0.07, p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, following nutritional influencers compared to fitness influencers positively predicts ED symptoms (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) but not body dissatisfaction. The current results suggest that being exposed to dieting and weight loss topics on social media might be particularly harmful for individuals with specific vulnerabilities. Practical implications will be discussed.

Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Use and Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Body Dissatisfaction in the Spanish Population: Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users' psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users' levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction.

METHODS

This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022.

RESULTS

A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction-2 variables known to influence users' psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.

#WhatIEatInADay: The effects of viewing food diary TikTok videos on young adults' body image and intent to diet

The rise of short-form video content has prompted research into its impact on body image; however, little remains known regarding the effects of exposure to food-related content of this type. The present study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by conducting a between-subjects experiment (N = 316) examining the effects of exposure to low-calorie versus high-calorie "What I Eat in A Day" food diary TikTok videos on young adults' body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, and diet intentions. Additionally, this study sought to explore how social comparison and mood might affect participants' responses to these videos. Results indicate that social comparison mediated the relationship between video type (low- vs high- calorie) and positive mood, such that low-calorie videos increased upward social comparison and decreased positive mood, and high-calorie videos increased downward social comparison and increased positive mood. Positive direct effects of positive mood on body appreciation and diet intentions occurred, and a negative direct effect on body dissatisfaction was found. Additionally, positive mood mediated the path from social comparison to diet intentions. These findings highlight the importance of further research into the nuanced impacts of food diary social media content on young adults' body image and behaviors.

An experimental investigation of whether body-positive messaging on fitspiration and diverse images can improve state body image in women

Viewing body-positive content on social media can benefit women's body image. Previous research has conceptualised body positivity broadly, and therefore it remains unclear whether some components are more useful than others. This study examined the impact of body appreciation or body functionality messages (in addition to a mixed condition) overlaid across different image types to influence women's body image. Young women (17-30 years, Mage= 21.53, N = 308) completed an online survey in which they were randomised to view either fitspiration or diverse images overlaid with messaging focusing on body appreciation, body functionality, or a combination. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction, body appreciation, and body objectification / conceptualisation. Post-test measures of social comparison and perceptions of models were also taken. Results showed that message type did not interact with image type. Rather, exposure to diverse images increased appearance satisfaction and body appreciation, with no changes to functionality satisfaction (vs a decrease for the fitspiration condition). All conditions improved in self-objectification. Further, diverse images resulted in more favourable social comparisons. Our findings consider body positive content in a controlled way and show no differences across body appreciation or body functionality themes.

Comparing and self-objectifying: The effect of sexualized imagery posted by Instagram Influencers on women's body image

Influencers are prominent figures on social media with a large number of followers who promote products, companies, and/or lifestyles. Some Influencers endorse lingerie and bikini products and there is growing concern about the overtly sexualized nature of the imagery they post to social media. This study aimed to experimentally examine the impact of exposure to images of female Influencers dressed in either fashionable clothes (fashion condition) or in lingerie/bikini garments posed in a suggestive manner (sexualized condition) on women's negative mood and body dissatisfaction relative to control (fashion products). Young women (N = 230, aged 17-25years) were recruited online and randomly allocated to one of the conditions. They completed pre/post state measures of mood and body dissatisfaction, as well as measures of state appearance comparison and self-objectification. Planned comparisons revealed that viewing images of Influencers led to greater negative mood, body dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and appearance comparison than viewing control images. Viewing sexualized images also led to greater negative mood, body dissatisfaction, and appearance comparison than did viewing standard fashion images. State appearance comparison was found to mediate these differences. The findings highlight the negative impact of sexualized images on social media and the need for enhanced regulation in relation to Influencer advertising.

Are humorous or distractor images more effective than self-compassion messages for combatting the negative body image consequences of social media? An experimental test of possible micro-intervention stimuli

Appearance-focused images on social media are thought to be particularly detrimental for body image. However, social media sites can also be used to encourage positive health behaviours. Three linked experiments with 620 Instagram users explored the protective capabilities of appearance-related self-compassion and appearance-related humorous messages for women's body image during Instagram use. Using simulated Instagram browsing tasks, participants were exposed to a set of fitspiration Instagram posts mixed with either self-compassion or humorous body image messages, or appearance-neutral images. Results indicated that appearance-related self-compassion and humorous messages were not more effective at protecting against negative appearance and life satisfaction outcomes than appearance-neutral images, and did not influence appearance comparison (Experiment 1), even when the personal relevance to participants' health was reinforced through experimental manipulation (Experiment 2). Rather, the presence of any image which did not contain pictures of women, regardless of image content, led to improved body image outcomes compared to exposure to fitspiration images alone (Experiment 3). Interpersonal factors such as the similarity of a female target's appearance also influenced the nature of comparisons made. The study highlights the importance of diluting appearance-focused content with other social media images in ongoing research practice and for user well-being.

Developing a definition of body neutrality and strategies for an intervention

The aim of this study was to provide a definition for body neutrality and understand the key strategies recommended to improve body neutrality for testing in future interventions. There is minimal academic literature on body neutrality and thus this study focused on examining websites where the concept has been discussed for some time. This was achieved using a realist synthesis of websites and a common elements approach to extract the key definition elements of body neutrality, strategies to improve body neutrality, in addition to the common critiques of both the body positivity and body neutrality movements. The initial search found 175 websites, of which 107 were included in the final synthesis, and common elements analysis followed after removal of duplicates and ineligible websites. Three elements, with several sub-elements, best operationalised the definition of body neutrality. Six strategies were found for development of a body neutrality intervention. This innovative study paves the way for rigorous evaluation of body neutrality. Recommendations for future work are provided, including the use of current measures, creating a new measure, and evaluating prevention and intervention programs including Single Session Interventions (SSIs).

Integrating social media variables as predictors, mediators, and moderators within body image frameworks: Potential mechanisms of action to consider in future research

In this article, we consider how social media variables may be integrated as predictors, mediators, and moderators within dominant theoretical frameworks of body image in order to identify potential mechanisms of action that can be empirically examined in future research and used to direct prevention and intervention efforts. To achieve this goal, we first articulate social media variables that have been investigated as predictors, mediators, and moderators in body image research. Next, we present the following critical and sociocultural theoretical frameworks: social comparison theory, tripartite influence model, objectification theory, developmental theory of embodiment, acceptance model of intuitive eating, cultivation theory, and uses and gratifications theory. Additionally, we present the theory of development of critical body awareness, a newly developed model that may provide further insight regarding the relationships between social media and body image-related outcomes. For each model, we articulate extant research that has explored social media variables within its context and explicate how social media variables could potentially be studied as predictors, mediators, and moderators within its structure. To conclude, we address pertinent limitations and gaps within this research space that could direct future research across the theoretical frameworks.

Endometriosis Awareness Month on Social Media: A Content Analysis of Images and Captions on Instagram

Endometriosis Awareness Month (EAM) is a global movement that seeks to increase awareness of endometriosis. There is a paucity of peer-reviewed research that explores the social media activity of EAM, making it difficult to draw conclusions about what information is being shared. To address this gap, we performed inductive thematic analysis to investigate the visual and written content of images (n = 879 images), as well as post captions of N = 600 posts. that contained the hashtag “#endometriosisawarenessmonth”. Results show that written content within the images most frequently contained features of the disease. Caption content featured general/vague knowledge about the disease and general awareness of endometriosis, such as ‘pain (general/unspecified)’. The mental health impact of the disease was underrepresented in Instagram posts. Moving forward, the #endometriosisawarenessmonth campaign could be strengthened by communicating specific diagnostic and prevalence information, and harnessing conversations about the impact of the disease on mental health.

Women's response to, awareness of, and interest in body functionality content on Instagram

Body functionality is an emerging positive body image construct which may help women value what their body can do, rather than how it looks. In this online experimental study, we examined women's responses to functionality content on Instagram. Young women (N = 318, M_age =22.19) viewed one of four types of Instagram posts: functionality text and images, functionality text overlaid on fitspiration images, standard fitspiration images, or cityscapes. They completed pre- and post-test state measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction and self-care intent, and post-test social comparison. Familiarity with contemporary social media trends and interest in functionality content were also assessed. Surprisingly, appearance and functionality satisfaction were highest after viewing the functionality and functionality with fitspiration images. Social comparison did not differ between conditions. Women were familiar with body positive concepts, except body functionality, although they expressed interest in this content. We conclude body functionality content would be useful to include in women's social media feeds.

TikTok use and body dissatisfaction: Examining direct, indirect, and moderated relations

In this study, we examined potential direct, indirect, and moderated effects in the relations between the use of TikTok, a video-based appearance-related social networking site, and body dissatisfaction among a sample of 778 United States' young adult college women. Results showed that TikTok use was indirectly related to body dissatisfaction through more upward appearance comparison and more body surveillance acting in serial. Contrary to our hypotheses, we also found that exposure to body acceptance and critique of appearance expectations, a facet of exposure to body positive media, and commercial media literacy exacerbated the direct relation between TikTok use and upward appearance comparison and the indirect relations between TikTok use and body dissatisfaction through upward appearance comparison and upward appearance comparison and body surveillance in serial. That is, the relations were significant for those at high and average levels of both acceptance and critique exposure and commercial media literacy, but not for those with low levels. Finally, we found that TikTok use was only associated with upward appearance comparison at average and low levels of peer social media literacy but not high levels. Our findings suggest that regular and consistent use of TikTok may be harmful to women's body image, and women with higher levels of acceptance and critique exposure and commercial media literacy may be the most vulnerable to these negative effects.

Engagement with social media content results in lower appearance satisfaction: An experience sampling study using a wrist-worn wearable and a physical analogue scale

Social media use is consistently associated with more negative body image, but much of this literature is cross-sectional and/or lacks ecological validity. To overcome these limitations, we examined associations between everyday social media engagement and appearance satisfaction using an experience sampling method. Fifty participants from Central Europe completed a 14-day experience sampling phase in which they reported their appearance satisfaction at two random time-points each day, as well as following active engagement with social media content, using a wrist-worn wearable and a physical analogue scale (PAS; i.e., angle of a participant's forearm between flat and fully upright as a continuous response scale). Results indicated that engagement with social media content was significantly associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Additionally, we found that engagement with the content of known others was associated with significantly lower appearance satisfaction than engagement with the content of unknown others. These effects were stable even after controlling for participant demographics, active vs. passive daily social media use, and body image-related factors. These results provide evidence that everyday social media engagement is associated with lower appearance satisfaction and additionally provides preliminary support for the use of a PAS in body image research using an experience sampling method.

The Influence of Social Network Content on the Perception of Smiles—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This randomized trial’s objective was to investigate the impact of social network content on the perception of smiles among specialists, doctors, students of dental medicine, and laypeople. Method: A sample of 360 respondents was shown 7 digitally altered photographs of smiles (85.63% female, 14.37% male). Dental specialists, dentists, dental students (first to third year and fourth to sixth year), and laypeople made up the sample. Respondents were asked to rank the images on a scale of 1 to 10, starting with the least appealing and moving up to the most attractive, using a Google Form. Respondents were divided into experimental and control groups at the end of the following month by random selection. The experimental group followed an Instagram profile posting two images of beautiful smiles for seven days, while the control group received no intervention at all. Both groups then completed the same questionnaire again. The comparison of esthetic scores between the experimental and control group was performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test and the difference in test responses between the starting point of the measurement and after exposure to perfect content on social media within individual groups was tested with the Wilcoxon paired-samples test. When comparing the absolute difference of scores, the Mann–Whitney U-test and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used. Results: Respondents in the experimental group rated the rounded embrasures of the incisors with lower esthetic scores compared to the control group that was not exposed to images on the Instagram social network. In those exposed to Instagram (experimental group), laypeople showed significantly greater satisfaction with their own smile after the exposure to Instagram, whereas no such difference was present in the control group. Conclusions: The content of social networks potentially has an influence on smile perception, most visible in the perception of incisal embrasures and self-perception of smile.

The time spent in Instagram is associated with greater dissatisfaction with body image, lower self-esteem and greater tendency to physical comparison among young adults in Spain: an Observational Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Instagram is a social media platform based on photos and videos that encourages interaction and comparison between users. Its growing popularity, especially among young people, has generated interest in the impact its use can have on users´ mental health, specifically on their self-esteem and degree of satisfaction with their own body image.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the relationships between the use of Instagram, both the hours of daily use and the type of content viewed, and self-esteem, tendency to make physical comparisons, and satisfaction with body image.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 585 participants aged between 18 years and 40 years. Individuals who were interested in participating but had a personal history of eating disorders or had previously been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder were excluded. The assessment tools consisted of (1) a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data and Instagram use variables and was created by the research team specifically for this study; (2) the self-esteem scale by Rosenberg; (3) Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R); and (4) Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). The recruitment and evaluation processes were carried out in January 2021.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 234 (234/585, 40%) used Instagram less than 1 hour a day, 303 (303/585, 51.8%) used Instagram between 1 hour and 3 hours a day, and 48 participants (48/585, 8.2%) used it more than 3 hours per day. We found statistically significant differences (P<.05) between the 3 groups in the scores obtained on the self-esteem test by Rosenberg, PACS-R, and BSQ. Participants who spent more time on Instagram had higher levels of body dissatisfaction, greater comparisons of physical appearance, and lower self-esteem. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between the score obtained on the different scales and the types of content viewed, with no differences between those who mainly viewed professional content and those who primarily consumed fashion and beauty or sport and nutrition content.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the use of Instagram is associated with poorer body image satisfaction and self-esteem, mediated by the tendency to compare physical appearance in relation to the daily duration of Instagram use.

Photo Activity on Social Networking Sites and Body Dissatisfaction: The Roles of Thin-Ideal Internalization and Body Appreciation

Objective: According to sociocultural theory, media is associated with detrimental effects on body image. Due to the popularity of social networking sites (SNS) and the prevalence of body image disturbance among young women, the association between them is worth further exploration. This study examined the relationship between photo activity on SNS and body dissatisfaction (BD) and the roles of thin-ideal internalization (TII) and body appreciation (BA) in this relation. Materials and Methods: A total of 746 Chinese female undergraduate students (mean age 20.34 ± 1.47 years) completed a questionnaire measuring SNS photo activity, TII, BD, and BA. Results: (1) Photo activity on SNS was positively associated with BD (r = 0.10, p < 0.01), and TII could mediate this relation (β = 0.07, 95% CI = [0.04, 0.10]). (2) Both the direct effect of SNS photo activity on BD (β = −0.08, p < 0.05) and the mediating effect of TII (β = −0.09, p < 0.01) were moderated by BA. Specifically, these associations were more pronounced for students with lower BA. Conclusion: People exposed to ideal photos or images can shape women’s body image perception via TII, whether in the age of traditional media or the Internet, and BA did not buffer the effect of ideal photos on internalization. Our findings could provide practical suggestions for rational photo activity on SNS and the intervention for BD.

Wildlife Photos on Social Media: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Conservation Organisations’ Instagram Images

Simple Summary

Although images are more effective than words at communicating important conservation ideas, different aspects of these images have been demonstrated to have positive and negative effects on viewers’ views towards wildlife and towards the organisation that posted the image. The most prevalent and engaging characteristics of wildlife photographs posted to Instagram in 2020 and 2021 were assessed using a quantitative content analysis, with Australian organisations as a case study. The findings show that conservation organisations can confidently share and post photographs that promote positive attitudes towards wildlife and the conservation organisation, and that Instagram posts can feature and promote a wide range of currently underrepresented species.

Abstract

Wildlife populations are vanishing at alarmingly high rates. This issue is being addressed by organisations around the world and when utilizing social media sites like Instagram, images are potentially more powerful than words at conveying crucial conservation messages and garnering public support. However, different elements of these images have been shown to potentially have either positive or negative effects on viewers’ attitudes and behaviours towards wildlife and towards the organisation posting the image. This study used a quantitative content analysis to assess the most common and engaging elements of wildlife images posted to Instagram in 2020 and 2021, using Australian conservation organisations as a case study. A total of 670 wildlife images from the Instagram accounts of 160 conservation organisation Instagram accounts were coded and analysed. Results highlight that the most common image elements used included natural backgrounds, mammals and birds, and no human presence. In addition, it was found that the taxon of the animal featured in a post and the presence of humans did not impact engagement levels. Our findings highlight the potential for Instagram posts to feature and promote a wide range of currently underrepresented species, and for conservation organisations to be able to confidently share and post images that promote positive perceptions of both the animal and the conservation organisation.

Digital modification and body image on social media: Disclaimer labels, captions, hashtags, and comments

Social media have become a major part of contemporary life. They are also a potent source of idealized and unrealistic imagery. Contributing to the lack of realism is the ability to digitally modify photos by applying a filter or editing software. One strategy suggested to counteract the negative consequences of idealized imagery on body image is the addition of a disclaimer label informing the viewer when an image has been digitally altered. The present paper brings together and presents an overview of the existing research on the consequences for body image of digital manipulation and the addition of disclaimers in a variety of types to images on social media. It concludes that disclaimers are an ineffective means of protecting body satisfaction against exposure to idealized social media images. Based on the overview, nine avenues for future research are identified.

Broad conceptualisations of beauty do not moderate women's responses to body positive content on instagram

Body positive content on Instagram may act as an antidote to the frequent depictions of thin and digitally modified images of women. Body positivity challenges narrow ideals by promoting diverse appearances and encouraging body appreciation. We examined the effects of congruent body positive messaging (unedited images of a diverse range of women presented with and without body acceptance captions) on state body image. This was the first study to investigate the moderating role of trait broad conceptualisation of beauty; a core component of body positive content and theories. Women 18-30 years (N = 233) were randomly assigned to view Instagram images of diverse women (e.g., varied body sizes, shapes, skin colour), either presented with or without body positive captions, or cityscape images. Pre- and post-test measures were taken of state body appreciation, appearance satisfaction, and positive mood, in addition to social comparison measures. Body appreciation and positive mood increased in all conditions. Appearance satisfaction only increased in the body positive conditions, with a larger effect size in the caption condition. Holding broad conceptualisations of beauty did not moderate findings. Captions did not change direction or amount of social comparison. Findings suggest that congruent body positive content may increase appearance satisfaction in viewers.

#Beautyunedited: Is labeling unedited selfies helpful for body image and mood among young women?

Research has shown that social media content that has not been digitally altered may help support positive body image. However, the effects of adding labels to such images has received little research attention. This study compared the effects of selfies that were: edited, unedited, and unedited + labeled. A sample of 350 young women, mean age (SD) = 21.87 (2.28) years, were randomly allocated to one of three conditions and completed pre and post exposure measures of state body image and mood, as well as trait risk and protective factors. Findings revealed that participants allocated to the unedited + labeled condition reported greater increases in state appearance satisfaction as compared to those who viewed the edited selfies. In addition, participants with higher levels of social media literacy benefited most from the unedited + labeled selfies. Findings suggest that selfies bearing a label indicating that they have not been edited may be more helpful for body image among young women as comapred to edited selfies. Thus, labels could represent useful social marketing tools on social media and contribute to efforts to increase the realism of social media imagery.

Social media, body image, and the question of causation: Meta-analyses of experimental and longitudinal evidence

This article presents four meta-analyses that can inform causality in the relationship between social media and body image; 24 experimental samples comparing the effect of appearance-ideal social media images to non-appearance-related conditions (n = 3816); 21 experimental samples examining the effect of contextual features (e.g., comments and captions) accompanying appearance-ideal social media images (n = 3482); 14 experimental samples investigating the effect of appearance-ideal images versus other appearance images on social media (n = 2641); and 10 longitudinal samples on social media use and body image (n = 5177). Social media appearance-ideal images had a moderate negative effect on body image (Hedges' g = -0.61, p < .01), were more damaging in higher- than lower-risk contexts (Hedges' g = -0.12, p < .01), and were moderately more impactful than other social media appearance images (Hedges' g = -0.68, p = .05). These effects were smaller but significant with outliers removed. Social media use had a very small, negative correlation with body image longitudinally (Fisher's Z = -0.08, p < .001). No significant moderators emerged. Clinicians should consider approaches to managing social media use, particularly exposure to appearance-ideal imagery, in case conceptualisation and psychoeducation for clients at risk of, or experiencing, body image disturbance.

The effects of self-disclaimer Instagram captions on young women's mood and body image: The moderating effect of participants' own photo manipulation practices

The current experiment investigated the impact of attaching self-disclaimer captions (i.e., captions about whether photos had been edited) to thin-ideal Instagram photos on young women's body image and mood. Participants were 311 undergraduate students aged 18-25 years. Participants were randomly assigned to view images of a thin woman on Instagram with no captions, or with a generic, specific, or warning self-disclaimer caption, and completed pre and post measures of body image and mood and a questionnaire about their own photo-editing practices. Across all conditions, exposure to the images resulted in decreased body satisfaction, likelihood to compare one's body to another's, happiness, confidence, and anxiety. There was no significant effect of disclaimer type on body image or mood, and therefore no type of self-disclaimer had an ameliorating effect. However, specific disclaimers were superior to the other disclaimers at reducing likelihood to compare one's body to another's, for women high on photo manipulation. Future research should be conducted in adolescent girls and men.

#Take idealized bodies out of the picture: A scoping review of social media content aiming to protect and promote positive body image

Much evidence has highlighted detrimental effects of social media on body image, and attention has turned towards identifying content that could support and promote positive body image. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of the emerging evidence focused on social media content that might support positive body image. A total of n = 35 studies (21 experimental) examining social media were identified along with n = 11 studies not specifically focusing on social media but with clear implications. Overall, findings suggest that images that do not portray individuals are most helpful for body image, as well as those portraying appearances diverging from appearance ideals. Our review also identifies types of social media content that have so far not been found to protect body image, and those not sufficiently evaluated. Regarding textual captions and comments, the most promising avenue involves highlighting the contrived and unrealistic nature of social media content. However, empirical data are limited and not robust. Body acceptance-related statements have so far not been found to be helpful for body image, and findings regarding the usefulness of using social marketing strategies (such as hashtags) to identify content that may be more realistic is nascent and conflicted.

The effects of fitspiration and self-compassion Instagram posts on body image and self-compassion in men and women

Research has demonstrated links between viewing idealized images on social media and body dissatisfaction, but more work is needed to understand how exposure to appearance-related content influences body image. The current research evaluated the effects of viewing fitspiration images and images of self-compassion quotes on Instagram on men and women's body image and self-compassion. This topic was examined in two separate investigations in the U.S.; a sample of undergraduate students (N = 180, 62 men and 118 women) and a community sample recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (N = 296; 173 men and 123 women). In both studies, participants viewed either same-gender images of fitspiration, self-compassion quotes, a combination of fitspiration images and self-compassion quotes, or neutral images (control). Overall, the findings suggest that viewing fitspiration images only promotes lower body satisfaction and appreciation, whereas viewing self-compassion images only leads to improved body satisfaction and appreciation. There was, however, little support for the buffering effects of self-compassion in the combined condition. Our results demonstrate the detrimental effects of exposure to fitspiration content and the positive effects of exposure to self-compassion content on social media for men and women as well as the need for future research in this area.

"I Found a More Attractive Deepfaked Self": The Self-Enhancement Effect in Deepfake Video Exposure

With the introduction of deepfake technology, which enables digital face-swapping between two individuals, young women are no longer passive viewers of attractive celebrities, but are able to become part of the perfect images. This study used the ZAO app as the apparatus to investigate the impact of viewing the self-celebrity deepfaked videos (SCDV) on young female users' appearance self-evaluation (i.e., body image and state appearance self-esteem). A sample of 128 young women 18-31 years of age was randomly assigned to view either 10 SCDV or 10 purely celebrity videos (PCV). All videos were sourced from the ZAO app. Results showed that participants in the SCDV condition perceived themselves as more physically attractive, experienced greater satisfaction with their own facial features, and reported marginally higher state appearance self-esteem than those in the PCV condition, whereas body shape satisfaction did not differ between the conditions. In addition, SCDV exposure increased perceived overall physical attractiveness and facial features satisfaction, but did not impact body shape satisfaction, whereas PCV exposure decreased facial features satisfaction, but did not impact perceived overall physical attractiveness or body shape satisfaction. "Attractive possible self" (APS) perception positively mediated the effect of SCDV exposure on perceived overall physical attractiveness, facial features satisfaction, body shape satisfaction, and state appearance self-esteem, while state appearance comparison only negatively mediated the effect of SCDV exposure on facial features satisfaction. This study reveals the potential of deepfake technology as an intervention technique for body image disturbances.

Do the metrics matter? An experimental investigation of Instagram influencer effects on mood and body dissatisfaction

Instagram is saturated with content from 'influencers', users who create high-quality idealised content, attain celebrity-level following, and often leverage their popularity to earn money through brand partnership/promotion. Although existing literature generally indicates the negative impact of idealised Instagram imagery on female psychological wellbeing, influencer imagery has yet to receive thorough attention. We investigated the impact of high versus low popularity influencer images on mood and body dissatisfaction. Adult women (N = 111, aged 17-40) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: either (1) the influencer-high group (idealised imagery alongside high 'like'/follow metrics); (2) the influencer-low group (the same idealised imagery adjusted for low popularity metrics); or (3) a nature control group with matched low-popularity metrics. Results revealed significantly higher negative mood and body dissatisfaction within the two influencer imagery groups compared with the control group. Interestingly, comparisons revealed no significant differences between the influencer-high and influencer-low groups on mood and body dissatisfaction. The findings suggest that users should be aware of the potentially negative impacts of viewing idealised influencer imagery, regardless of whether the content is high or low in popularity.

Muscles and bare chests on Instagram: The effect of Influencers' fashion and fitspiration images on men's body image

Despite men using social media in increasing numbers, as yet there has been little research addressing effects on men's body image. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exposure to idealized male Instagram images on men's body satisfaction. Participants were 300 men aged 18-30 years who were randomly assigned to view clothed (fashion) images, bare-chested (fitspiration) images, or control images of scenery, posted by the same male Instagram Influencers. It was found that exposure to bare-chested and muscular images resulted in significantly lower body satisfaction relative to viewing clothed fashion images or scenery images, which did not differ from each other. The clothed and bare-chested conditions did not differ in amount of appearance-based social comparison, nor in reported inspiration to exercise or eat healthily. Nor was there any moderation of effects by muscular-ideal internalization. It was concluded that although they are vulnerable to some types of social media imagery, results typically obtained for women cannot simply be generalized to men.