Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Usage Social Comparison and Self Objectification on Appearance Anxiety: Gender Differences

This study examined the relationship between social media engagement, social comparison tendencies and self-objectification on appearance anxiety in young adults within an Irish context, while we also explored for gender differences within these variables. The literature content to date has emphasized that higher social media usage higher self-objectification and upward social comparison, contribute to negative general well-being outcomes, including social appearance anxiety. To date it has been indicated that these negative outcomes are more likely to be associated to females. The current study urged to expand on these findings and contribute to broaden the existing knowledge within an Irish context by investigating the young adult population aged 18-29. A total of 168 participants completed an online survey with questionnaires measuring their levels of social media usage, social comparison tendencies self-objectification and social appearance anxiety. Findings from a multiple regression analysis revealed that unfavourable social comparison tendencies and increased self-objectification but not social media engagement was predictive of social appearance anxiety. Follow up t-tests showed that females exhibit higher levels of social appearance anxiety. Implications and future directions with regards to social media usage, social comparison, self-objectification and social appearance anxiety are further discussed