Social Network Sites, Friends, and Celebrities: The Roles of Social Comparison and Celebrity Involvement in Adolescents’ Body Image Dissatisfaction

Abstract

This study applies the social comparison theory to examine the effects of adolescents' engagement in comparison with friends and celebrities on social network sites (SNSs) on (a) their body image dissatisfaction (BID) and (b) their drive to be thin (DT) or muscular (DM). The study also examines celebrity involvement as an antecedent of the outcome variables. Data were collected through a survey of 1,059 adolescents in Singapore. Regression analyses indicate that SNSs use was related to adolescents' BID. Specifically, social comparison with friends on SNSs was significantly associated with adolescents' BID, DT, and DM. Gender differences were also observed-social comparison with celebrities was significantly associated with BID and DT among female adolescents. Celebrity involvement was significantly associated with male BID. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Beauty, Body Image, and the Media

“…Most households worldwide have home Internet access, and, in some countries, children, adolescents, and young adults identify social media sites as their primary online communication activity [20]. Given that both social media use and body dissatisfaction are pervasive among adolescent and young adult women, it is not surprising that media and body image research is expanding into this new media domain.…”

Social Media as Occupation: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

“…In addition, a review of the literature by LeBourgeois and colleagues (2017) found "an adverse association between screen-based media consumption and sleep health" (p. S92). Further evidence supports an association between the use of social networking sites and body image dissatisfaction (Ho et al, 2016). Pew Research examining teens' social media experiences found that 45% of teens feel overwhelmed by the drama on social media, 43% feel pressure to post only content that makes them look good to others, and 26% say that using social media makes them feel worse about their own lives (Pew Research Center, 2018b).…”

“…The literature presents an increasing number of documented negative consequences related to social media use (Ho et al, 2016;LeBourgeois et al, 2017;Lin et al, 2016;Pew Research Center, 2018;Primack et al, 2017;Uhls et al, 2017). Evidence suggests links between social media use and depression, anxiety, and social isolation (Lin et al, 2016;Primack et al, 2017).…”

“…We could no longer perform our major life functions" (p. 2). While the increased interconnectedness that technology and social media provide has had many positive impacts on society, there is also growing evidence of the negative effects of social media use on our physical and mental health (Ho et al, 2016;LeBourgeois et al, 2017;Lin et al, 2016;Primack et al, 2017;Shensa et al, 2018;Uhls et al, 2017).…”

Use of social networking sites and desire for slimness among 10‐year‐old girls and boys: A population‐based birth cohort study

“…Moreover, adolescent girls' social media use has been shown to contribute to peer competition (Ferguson, Muñoz, Garza, & Galindo, 2014 Recent studies have suggested that there might be gender differences in SNS use. Females might be more interested in using SNS to maintain existing social relationships and to compare themselves with others (Haferkamp, Eimler, Papadakis, & Kruck, 2012;Hargittai & Hsieh, 2010;Ho, Lee, & Liao, 2016). In contrast, males might be more likely to use SNS to express their opinions and to make new relationships (Haferkamp, Eimler, Papadakis, & Kruck, 2012;Hargittai & Hsieh, 2010).…”