Body image encompasses our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to appearance, shaped largely by sociocultural influences. Traditional beauty standards have long idealized thinness for women and hypermuscularity for men, linking physical appearance to self-worth. Social media amplifies these pressures with content like “fitspiration,” but it also provides a platform for movements like body positivity, which challenge conventional norms.
A study by researchers Rachel F. Rodgers, Susan J. Paxton, and Eleanor H. Wertheim examined how body-positive and fitspiration content on Instagram affects body image in men and women. The study involved 998 participants, aged 18–25, exposed to curated posts aligned with societal beauty standards for their gender. These posts included body-positive images and quotes, fitspiration content, and neutral travel imagery.
Key findings
Body-Positive content improves Body Image: Both men and women reported higher appearance satisfaction and body appreciation after viewing body-positive content compared to fitspiration posts.
Fitspiration’s negative impact: Idealized fitness content, even when framed positively, reduced appearance satisfaction and body appreciation.
Gender differences: Women showed improved body appreciation with body-positive images over fitspiration, but images and quotes had similar effects. Men, however, benefited more significantly from body-positive images, experiencing improved appearance satisfaction and appreciation.
The power of visuals: Visual content, such as images, had a stronger impact than textual quotes in shaping perceptions of beauty and self-worth.
Shifting aspirations: Body-positive content inspired participants to embrace their natural appearance rather than strive for unattainable ideals.
Why this matters
The study underscores the importance of fostering social media environments that promote diverse, realistic beauty standards. For younger audiences navigating appearance-related pressures, engaging with body-positive content can build self-esteem and resilience. While limitations such as short exposure times exist, the findings highlight the potential of social media as a tool for positive change.
By choosing inclusive, empowering content, users can counter societal pressures and embrace healthier views of beauty. A small shift in online engagement might transform self-perception and foster confidence in natural appearances.
