Social Media and Female Body Image: A Study on the Imposition of Body Characterization in Tobago

Sharon Campbell Phillips,Deb Proshad Halder

doi:10.11648/j.ash.20190504.13

Abstract

The popularity of social media has grown considerably over the past few years and has taken a foothold in society. This study examined the connection between extensive social media use and the way people view their bodies in relation to what is seen in the images and messages portrayed on social media. Emphasis is placed on social media and whether it has a negative impact on body image and if it leads to body dissatisfaction. A mixed method approach was taken to collect data on females residing in Tobago and how they perceive body image. Survey participation was both voluntary and anonymous. Participants were females above the age of 15. Additionally, focus groups were conducted among Tobago women ranging between ages 16- 56 to further supplement the statistical data collected. The study and the data collected examined how social media influenced the way that women view themselves. The data collected and the research took into consideration how the participants were affected by their exposure to the various social media platforms and their messages. While the information gathered shows there is a correlation between social media and negative body image, there is no evidence to prove that social media has a direct impact on one’s body image.

Highlights

This thesis focuses on how the use of social media impacts the way women view and feel about themselves
For the purposes of this study, social media is defined as web-based services that allows individuals to (a) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, (b) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (c) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system
There is a considerable number of research that shows the effects of traditional media on body image but there is a shortage of research as to relate how social media use can either negatively or positively affect body image [3]

Summary

Introduction

This thesis focuses on how the use of social media impacts the way women view and feel about themselves. The Reference [2] projects the ideation that social media is designed to promote the sharing of user-generated content, communication, and participation on a large scale. These social media networking sites allow individuals to create profiles, share information and photos and choose how and when they will interact with others. Most of the studies examined indicate that the media portray a distorted image of an attractive person This distorted reality that is being presented by the media can cause viewers to become dissatisfied with their own likeness [5]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion