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The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Body Image Concerns: A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies
Abstract
Social media platforms have become prevalent sources of information and social interaction, but they also expose individuals to idealized body images that may contribute to body image concerns. This meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies examines the relationship between social media use and body image concerns. Drawing from a comprehensive review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from cross-sectional studies that assess the association between various aspects of social media use (e.g., frequency, duration, types of platforms) and body image concerns, including body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and eating disorder symptoms. Additionally, it explores potential moderators of this relationship, such as age, gender, and individual vulnerabilities, to better understand the nuanced association between social media use and body image concerns.
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References
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