In a recent study published in the scientific journal Body Image, researchers have found that viewing just a few body-positive posts on social media over two weeks can significantly reduce women’s dissatisfaction with their bodies. In addition, viewing these posts may lessen their tendency to compare their appearances to others.
The world of social media is vast, reaching millions of users daily. However, one of the biggest criticisms of these platforms has been their potential contribution to body image issues — especially among young women. These issues occur due to an influx of idealized images and standards of beauty, which can lead to self-esteem problems for women who may not fit these standards.
Previous studies have indicated the correlation between excessive social media use and increased body dissatisfaction. However, there has been growing momentum in the “body positivity” movement — which emphasizes self-love, self-care, and an overall acceptance of all body types. Researchers were driven to explore whether or not viewing body-positive content, which is posted with the goal of increasing body positivity, could have the opposite effect.
The study observed the effects of viewing body-positive posts versus appearance-neutral posts on social media. A diverse group 159 Australia-based women, from the ages of 18 to 25, were selected to be part of the research. 48 participants viewed posts made in an appearance-neutral Facebook group, 49 participants viewed posts made in a body-positive Facebook group, and 62 participants used Facebook as they normally did without any Facebook group involvement at all. All were exposed to a controlled amount of content over the course of two weeks.
Their levels of body dissatisfaction and their tendencies to compare their appearances were then measured, allowing the researchers to discern any changes in these perceptions.
The results revealed that women who viewed a limited number of body positive posts felt better about their own bodies and were less likely to compare their appearance with others’. Interestingly, even those exposed to appearance-neutral posts (posts not focusing on body or beauty standards) also reported reduced body dissatisfaction.
While these findings provide an optimistic look at the potential of social media as a tool for promoting healthier self-images, it is important to consider that while the positive effects were intense right after the two-week period, they reported that these feelings reverted back to their original state four weeks after the study began. In addition, researchers were unable to objectively determine if the participants viewed each post and clicked on the articles attached to them as opposed to passively scrolling, which may lead to skewed results.
Still, as the body positivity movement grows, the potential for social media platforms to be spaces of affirmation and acceptance becomes more evident, and future research will undoubtedly continue to explore and refine these exciting potentials.
The study, “Can following body positive or appearance neutral Facebook pages improve young-women’s body image and mood? Testing novel social media micro-interventions”, was authored by a team of researchers led by Dr. Jasmine Fardouly, at the University of New South Wales School of Psychology.