Investigating the Relationship Between Social Media and Social Comparison on Body Image; Gender Differences

The present study examined the relationship between social media engagement and social comparison tendencies on body image in young adults, while also exploring the gender differences within these variables. Research has shown that increased social networking site (SNS) usage and upward social comparison can aid in negative outcomes, including body dissatisfaction; it is suggested that these outcomes are graver for females, perhaps due to the voluminous research with a sole focus on this gender. The present study sought to expand upon these findings and strengthen them by investigating an age range that is most active on social media, young adults aged 18-29. A total of 67 participants completed questionnaires measuring their social media engagement, social comparison tendencies and body image. Findings from a multiple regression analysis revealed that unfavourable social comparison tendencies, but not social media use, was significantly predictive of negative body image. Follow up t-tests showed that females are significantly less satisfied with body image compared to males, and males compare themselves more favourably, significantly more than females. Implications for this study and best practices for measuring and researching body image are discussed