Selfie-posting on social networking sites, body surveillance, and exercise for weight control among Chinese young women with low body mass index

Abstract

Under the perspective of self-perception theory and objectification theory, this study aims to examine the association between selfie-posting on social networking sites (SNSs) and exercise for weight control among Chinese young women, as well as the mediating role of body surveillance. A sample of 467 Chinese female students with a BMI lower than 24 were recruited. Participants voluntarily completed questionnaires assessing their selfie-posting behavior on SNSs, body surveillance, and their weight control motivation for exercise. The results show that selfie-posting on SNSs is positively associated with exercise for weight control, and that body surveillance significantly mediates this association. The results suggest that interventions targeting selfie behaviors on SNSs may be an effective way to prevent unhealthy exercise motivations, such as exercise for weight control, among young women with a low BMI.