Body dysmorphic features among Snapchat users of “Beauty-Retouching of Selfies” and its relationship with quality of life

Abstract

Within the history of social networking applications the use of Snapchat has risen rapidly. Users of Snapchat can apply filters to change their appearance before they share photos. The present study aimed at assessing body dysmorphic features among Snapchat users of “Beauty-Retouching of Selfies” and its relationship with quality of life. A total of 507 Arab females participated in this study by responding to the Quality of Life (QOL) and Body Dysmorphic Features (BDF) scales as well as some demographic questions. Results showed that the mean of the body dysmorphic features was slightly above the theoretical mean of the BDF scale, which indicates that females who use Snapchat Beauty-Retouching features have a high tendency toward body dysmorphic features. Additionally, the quality of life mean was clearly above the theoretical mean of the QOL, which means that participants in general have a good quality of life. The study found a fundamental relationship between the two variables, QOL and BDF, and the relationship is in the negative direction. The results indicated that the relationship between BDF and QOL changes with age, educational levels, and social status. This study proposes further research to focus on identifying the most noteworthy factors influencing body image and QOL.