Body Image Dissatisfaction in Young Adults: Impact of Social Media Use

Authors: Dr. Nidhi Roy Choudhury , Vishnu Nethra Reddy. N

Pages: 15-18

Abstract:

Social media websites perpetuate unrealistic body ideals, reinforcing toxic beauty standards that shape body image perceptionof users. Body dissatisfaction, negative perceptions towards one’s own body image, may originate from perceived pressure tocurate an ideal appearance. Images promoting an unattainable body ideal on social media may be internalized by its users,leading to lowered self-esteem and self-worth. The impact may manifest as increased body surveillance, emphasis on evaluationof self by physical features and a predisposition to the onset of eating disorders. Comparisons centering on appearance,internalization of a body ideal and body dissatisfaction have been reported to vary based on user profile and activity on socialmedia platform. The review aims to study the differential impact social media usage plays in contributing to body imagedissatisfaction based on user profile data (male/female). The scope of the review includes understanding the relationship, if any,between the duration of social media use and body image perception in young adults.