Effects of social media on body dissatisfaction in junior high school girls in Japan

Abstract

AimsBody dissatisfaction (BD) is a serious problem related to the incidence of eating disorders. Social media (SM) use is known to be associated with BD. With a view to preventing the incidence of eating disorders, this study aimed to investigate the association between SM and BD, particularly, the role of SM in the encouragement of thinness and its relationship with adolescent girls' BD. MethodsJunior high school girls aged 12–15 in Japan completed the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Eating Attitudes Test-26, Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh, Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children, and SM usage. Participants were classified into two groups based on their BSQ cut-off score. ResultsOverall, 161 students were recruited (44 participants with BD; 117 without BD). The BD group used SM more than the non-BD group (χ2 (1) = 4.61, p = .032). The frequency of following SM accounts related to thinness was significantly higher in the BD group than in the non-BD group (χ2 (1) = 7.76, p = .005). The association between BD and following SM accounts focused on thinness was the most important (adjusted OR = 3.82; 95 % CI: 1.05–13.89). ConclusionsThe risks of SM use increasing BD in adolescent girls should be considered to prevent mental disorders, including eating disorders.