Top Highlights

• (i) social media encourages comparison between users, (ii) comparisons heighten feelings about the body, (iii) young adults modify their appearance to portray a perceived ideal image, (iv) young adults are aware of social media's impact on body image and food choices, however, (v) external validation via social media is pursued
• Comparisons made with peers perceived as being more attractive, or thinner (upward comparisons) are an established precursor of body dissatisfaction.
• Objectification theory proposes that the sexual portrayal of women in society promotes a culture where women are seen as objects for the viewing pleasure of others.32 It is suggested that these influences acclimatise women in particular, to engage in self-objectification. Self-objectification refers to the degree that a person internalises a third-...
• People with negative BI (body dissatisfaction) feel dissatisfied with their appearance, and perceive a discrepancy between their current appearance and ideal appearance.
• Engaging in self-objectifying behaviours on SM may act as a mediator in the development of body dissatisfaction as long-term manifestations of self-objectification include body shame, body surveillance, appearance anxiety, internalisation of the thin-ideal and increased risk of disordered eating behaviours

Domain