The dark side of #bodypositivity: The relationships between sexualized body-positive selfies on Instagram and acceptance of cosmetic surgery among women

Abstract

One growing social media trend consists in posting body-positive content to subvert dominant feminine beauty ideals and help individuals to develop confidence and appreciation for their bodies. In spite of these goals, such posts, when sexualized, may promote an objectified representation of women's bodies resulting in a risk factor for body-related concerns. The present study aimed to investigate the links between viewing sexualized body-positive Instagram pictures and body image concerns among 493 young Italian women. They completed a self-reported questionnaire measuring the frequency of viewing sexually objectified body-positive selfies on Instagram, body surveillance, body satisfaction, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Results indicated that the frequency of viewing sexualized body-positive selfies was positively associated with body surveillance, which was negatively related to body satisfaction. In turn, body satisfaction was negatively associated with considering modifying one's body surgically and acceptance of cosmetic surgery for social reasons. Moreover, a serial mediation analysis showed that the frequency of viewing sexualized selfies was indirectly associated with higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery (considering having cosmetic surgery and social motivation for undergoing cosmetic surgery) via body surveillance and subsequent body satisfaction. Finally, study limitations and implications for future research on body-positive content on Instagram are discussed.