The Effect of Disclaimer Labels on the Internalization of Beauty Ideals

Abstract

Exposure to idealized images has been associated with multiple negative effects on body image in women. Negative effects associated with exposure to idealized images are proposed to occur through social comparison processes and subsequently lead to the internalization of beauty ideals. One proposed solution to combat these negative effects is to add disclaimers on idealized images indicating the image has been digitally enhanced. However, a growing body of research suggest this solution will not be effective. The present study aimed to experimentally investigate the effect disclaimer labels have on the internalization of beauty ideals in women. Participants were 91 women between the ages of 18 to 33, who were randomly assigned to view idealized images without a disclaimer label (condition 1) or with a disclaimer label (condition 2). The internalization of beauty ideals after exposure to the idealized images was compared for women in both conditions, which revealed no effect of the presence of a disclaimer label on the internalization of beauty ideals was found. However, the perceived importance participants put on beauty ideals was found to predict the internalization of beauty ideals. Unexpectedly, age did not have a significant effect on the internalization of beauty ideals, regardless of condition. In sum, the present study showed no benefit to adding disclaimer labels to idealized images on social media, providing more support for the inefficacy of this proposed solution. Further research is required to identify factors that influence the internalization of beauty ideals to discover an effective solution for the negative effects associated with idealized images.