"You have such a nice instagram photo; i wish i looked like you!": A study of the impact of online exposure to photos and videos on body image in adolescent boys.

Abstract

Introduction: This study sheds light on the relationship between the online exposure to photos and videos and the impact on adolescent boys' body image. The concept body image is investigated, as there is uncertainty in existing literature. The results of this study are compared to that of adolescent girls, as gender is recognized as an important factor in body image development (Muth & Cash, 2006). Methods: The data used for this study comes from the longitudinal DiYo project. The sample for this study consisted of 1,886 participants. The data obtained were analyzed through a quantitative research method. Results: Duration of Instagram and Snapchat use was found to be a significant negative predictor on adolescent boys' thoughts about their bodies. Furthermore, duration of Instagram and Snapchat use was not found to be a significant predictor of how adolescent boys felt about their bodies. Additionally, adolescent boys' thoughts and feelings about body image were found to be significantly related. Finally, regardless of whether you are an adolescent boy, or an adolescent girl was found to have an impact on the relationship between the duration of Instagram and Snapchat use and how adolescents think and feel about their bodies. Conclusion: The influence of using Snapchat and Instagram is negative, but weak, when it comes to adolescent boys' body image. Given the weak influence, in further research it would be interesting to see what other external factors can influence a negative body image of adolescent boys. Regardless of whether you are an adolescent boy or girl, the relationship between the use of Snapchat and Instagram and the body image of adolescent boys and girls remains weak. Based on this weak relationship, further research is recommended.