Prevalence and Effects of Body-Shaming on Social Media among Undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka

Abstract

One of the most widespread forms of humiliation used by people globally is body-shaming. It has frequently led to suicide because of its negative impacts on the people and their mental health. This paper examined the prevalence and effects of body-shaming among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. The objectives of this study are to find out the causes, the effects and the prevalence level of body-shaming among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The study was anchored on cultivation analysis theory; while survey method was used with the adoption of a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. A sample of 300 respondents were drawn from the population of the study, which comprises undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Findings from the study showed that the majority of the respondents have been exposed to body-shaming at different times for either their facial looks or complexion and that females experience body-shaming more than the males. Lastly, that Social media has played a critical role in incessant form of body-shaming. The study recommended, that Students should be taken to workshops and awareness program where they should be guided about self- esteem, self- recognition and self- confidence. Public awareness program on the negative effect of body-shaming should also be promoted by the government and that National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) should censor contents that may likely lead to body-shaming especially on social media.