Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction: Investigating the Role of Instagram

Abstract

Previous research has shown an association between social media use and body dissatisfaction. However, little is known about the factors that may impact this relation. This study investigates the relation between social media use and body dissatisfaction and explores one potential moderating factor: the role of Instagram use. The sample of this study consisted of 440 participants aged 12 to 19 (mean age 14.9; SD =1.8; 47% girls) from the Netherlands. Results showed that social media use was positively associated with body dissatisfaction, even when controlling for gender. The findings indicate that Instagram use did not moderate the relation between social media use and body dissatisfaction. However, experimental studies are needed to examine the direction of effects of social media use and to explore the influence of Instagram use, while taking into account the online activities on this platform (such as celebrities being followed, the images that are being viewed).