Psychology Week 8 Assignment

Shivone Smith

Southern New Hampshire University

PSY 510

8/8/2023

With cell phones and other mobile devices, people in today's society have constant access

to various forms of social media. Social media websites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and

Snapchat, to name a few, are always accessible to society. One possible outcome of this constant

exposure to social media is a decrease in self-esteem because of comparing oneself to other

people. Social media is used by individuals as a "highlight reel," where they share information

about their life's successes and positive aspects, making others feel as though they are flawed in

comparison.

An article with the title: "During the initial research on the relationship between social

media and body image, the story matters: “Young people, social media, and body image,” went

into greater detail about this subject. This article primarily examined the connection between

body image among adolescents and young adults and social media use. This article specifically

emphasized the concept that social media is a highly interactive environment that serves as a

resource for young people in the formation of their identities, relationships, emotional regulation,

self-expression, and learning. However, because teenagers have such easy access to social media,

it can also have some negative effects, such as allowing users to criticize and compare

themselves to others. The positive aspects of how social media can also be used as a resource for

health and well-being education for these teenagers are typically the focus of this article.

According to this study, social media not only gives young people access to a wide range of

content, information, and connections with other users, but it also provides them with an outlet

for social and emotional support (Goodyear, 2020).

This article discusses the significant role that social media plays in the lives of teenagers

today, but it also focuses on the potential positive applications of this influence. In contrast, the

intended study hypothesizes that body positivity scores will decrease as social media exposure

increases. The idea that social media can be used to educate teenagers about health and wellness

was presented in this article. The main limitation of this study is that it does reflect on the

negative aspects, or consequences, of social media usage. This is important to highlight the

positive aspects and potential uses of social media in order to promote body positivity and

overall health. According to Goodyear (2020), this study's validity and reliability were further

supported by the absence of any potential ethical issues during review of the article.

Another study on this subject, "Motivations for Social Media Use:

My research on these subjects was further supported by the publication "Associations

with Social Media Engagement and Body Satisfaction and Well-Being among Adolescents." The

purpose of this study was to investigate the connections between body satisfaction and well-

being, motivations for using social media, and the various forms of engagement with social

media. 1432 adolescents participated in an online survey that the researchers used to collect and

analyze data. The survey looked at factors like information sharing, passing time, escapism,

social interaction, social capital, and appearance feedback as reasons for these adolescents to use

social media. The intensity, photo-based use, active use, passive use, and liking use aspects of

social media usage were also examined in the survey. The survey found mixed associations

between these factors and overall well-being and body satisfaction. In future research, the

authors of this study stress the significance of taking into account the reasons people use social

media (Jarman, Marques, McLean, Slater, & Paxton, 2021).

Because this study further examined potential motivations for using social media, the

forms of engagement used to access social media, and one's personal body satisfaction and well-

being, this article is relevant to the intended research question. Because it used an online survey

to gather information from participants about these topics, this study also shares many of the

same characteristics as the intended one. However, it is essential to also acknowledge this study's

limitations. Despite the fact that the researchers' study suggests that social media users'

motivations can predict their engagement with social media, body satisfaction, and well-being, it

could be argued that the opposite is true. This implies that possibly, body fulfillment and

prosperity can anticipate inspirations for web-based entertainment use and commitment, or that

these connections are even proportional in nature. Additionally, it was mentioned that, in order to

guarantee the relevance and accuracy of the data being gathered, researchers would need to make

certain that they are utilizing the most up-to-date and well-liked forms of social media, such as

the distinctions between Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. According to Jarman, Marques,

McLean, Slater, & Paxton (2002), this study's validity and reliability were further bolstered by

the absence of any ethical issues that might have arisen during the review of the article.

The effects of messages that a person has internalized from social media were further

examined in another study, "Internalized Media-Promoted Body Ideals Only Marginally

Moderate the Effects of Exercise on Self-Esteem, Body Image Satisfaction, and Physical Self-

Perceptions." The idea of the ideal body shape and lifestyle, as well as the connections between

physical exercise, self-esteem, physical self-perceptions, and body image satisfaction in these

individuals, were some examples of these internalized themes. 46 formerly inactive women who

had volunteered to take part in this study were used. These women were divided into two groups

at random: "Wait-list" or "exercise." The Activity bunch partook in two 50 minutes practice

meetings each week for a considerable length of time, while the Stand by list bunch took part in

no ordinary actual work during similar a month and a half. Before and after the intervention, the

French versions of the Body Image Assessment Scale (BIAS-BD) and Physical Self-Perception

Profile (ISP-25) were administered to all participants, regardless of their group. Analysts

additionally used the Sociocultural Mentalities Toward Appearance Survey (SATAQ) which was

finished by the members to evaluate their degree of assimilation of media norms. In the end,

Legrand, Silete, & Schiffler (2020) found that the participants in the Exercise group achieved

greater outcomes than those in the Wait-list group.

The study's primary objective was to investigate the connections between physical

exercise, self-esteem, physical self-perceptions, and body image satisfaction, as well as the

effects of messages that users of social media can internalize regarding the ideal body shape and

lifestyle. Notwithstanding, it is critical to take note of that there are restrictions with this review.

The study's authors pointed out that the sample they used was actually a "convenience sample."

Most of the young, inactive, middle-class women who participated in the study had a normal

Body Mass Index. It is essential to perceive this as a potential wellspring of mistake as the

discoveries can't be summed up for the entire populace. A more diverse sample of participants

should be used in subsequent studies to address this issue (Legrand, Silete, & Schiffler, 2020).

According to standard 8.10, "Reporting Research Results," the APA Code of Ethics states that

"If psychologists discover significant errors in their published data, they take reasonable steps to

correct such errors in a correction, retraction, erratum, or other appropriate publication means"

regarding the ethical implications of this limited sample (American Psychological Association,

2017).

This study demonstrated the mistake that originated from using a helpful example, in any

case, the information gathered inside this study doesn't hold a lot of weight concerning

legitimacy and dependability.

"We're Continually Comparing Ourselves to Something:" a study by Monks, Costello,

Dare, and Reid Boyd The central themes of body image perception and social media use are

further investigated in “Navigating Body Image, Media, and Social Media Ideals at the Nexus of

Appearance, Health, and Wellness” (2021). This study looked at how a group of women perceive

media and social media-promoted ideas about personal appearance, health, and wellness. The

researchers also wanted to learn how these very same women would attempt to question these

norms and ideas. The data for this study came from interviews with 25 women ranging in age

from 22 to 72. Every one of the ladies partaking in these semistructured meets likewise used all-

encompassing wellbeing rehearses. The results of these interviews revealed a consistent pattern

of many themes, such as the media's propagation of unrealistic notions, the harm that social

comparisons can inflict, personal aspirations to achieve a health and wellness-like appearance,

and the use of a variety of strategies to reduce their exposure to such media while maintaining a

positive body image. Additionally, this study's findings offer suggestions and potential

mechanisms for promoting positive body image through various media channels. According to

Monks, Costello, Dare, & Reid Boyd (2002), these interventions should encourage ideal

appearances that promote health and wellness.

This exploration investigates the connection between online entertainment use and how

young ladies see their own appearance in contrast with what is distinguished as the best

appearance, wellbeing and health norms. The course of information assortment inside this review

from the members, had the option to note patterns between the subjects of ridiculous body

principles flowing in the media, as well as the mischief these individual examinations can cause.

However, it must also be noted that the researchers themselves identified some limitations to this

study. It was noted that this study did not use objective measures because it was qualitative and

used the perspectives of media ideals among a group of women who participated in holistic

health culture. As a result, the study's findings may be subject to error or bias (Monks, Costello,

Dare, & Reid Boyd, 2021). According to standard 9.02, "Use of Assessments," of the APA Code

of Ethics, "Psychologists administer, adapt, score, interpret, or use assessment techniques,

interviews, tests, or instruments in a manner and for purposes that are appropriate in light of the

research on or evidence of the usefulness and proper application of the techniques" addresses the

ethical implications of this nonobjective measurement in the study. Additionally, according to

the standard, "Psychologists use assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been

established for use with members of the population tested." Psychologists "describe the strengths

and limitations of test results and interpretation when such validity or reliability has not been

established" (American Psychological Association, 2017). With respect to this review, the types

of estimation used by specialists makes issues for the dependability and the legitimacy because

of the way that it is evenhanded in nature and the information gathered from members was

subjective in nature, so it isn't effectively estimated.

Social media use and concerns about one's own body image, the development of

disordered eating, and even body changes in adolescents were the subjects of another similar

study conducted by Rodgers and his team (2020). A sample of 681 adolescents was used for this

study, and they were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their use of social media, depression,

self-esteem, body mass index, internalization of social media's muscular ideal, appearance

comparison, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and muscle-building behaviors. According

to the findings of this study, adolescents' use of social media is a significant component of their

sociocultural environment and contributes significantly to the appearance pressures they face.

The study also found that participants' lower self-esteem and depressive symptoms were directly

linked to muscular-ideal internalization and social media-ideal internalization. These depressive

symptoms were also linked to more comparisons of one's appearance, and low self-esteem was

linked to more body dissatisfaction (Rodgers et al., 2020).

The significance of social media in today's lives of adolescents is recognized by this

study. Social media use, depression, self-esteem, body mass index, social media and muscular

ideal internalization, appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and

muscle-building behaviors were assessed using a questionnaire in this study. However, this study

does have some limitations. The specialists engaged with this exploration even noticed that a

vital restriction of this study was the differing paces of interest, which might have left wiggle

room. Due to unequal representation, the study's findings may not be applicable to a larger

sample of individuals. As the data they used was self-reported by the participants, the researchers

also suggested that there is room for error (Rodgers et al., 2020).

According to standard 8.10, "Reporting Research Results," of the APA Code of Ethics,

"If psychologists discover significant errors in their published data, they take reasonable steps to

correct such errors in a correction, retraction, erratum, or other appropriate publication means,"

the study's identified areas of bias has ethical implications (American Psychological Association,

2017). Although the use of self-reports was found to be error-prone in this study, the validity and

reliability of the data gathered are not particularly strong. Additionally, professionals in the field

of psychology are obligated to "Do No Harm," as stated in the Code of Ethics; however, it was

possible that this obligation would be violated because some individuals might find topics like

eating disorders to be triggering. The researchers ought to have established safeguards and

warned the participants, particularly those who might disclose that they are in recovery or that

they are currently battling an eating disorder.

Further exploration prompted a review directed by Walker, Krumhuber, Dayan, and

Furnham (2021). The primary focus of this study was on how the media influences young

women to think about having cosmetic surgery. It was said that traditional media like magazines

and television influenced these things. However, researchers wanted to look more closely at

newer media like social media sites to see how they affected people's desire for cosmetic surgery.

Analysts of this study needed to inspect whether openness to pictures portraying facial corrective

upgrades expands the craving for restorative medical procedure among young ladies. 118 women

who use social media and were given the task of viewing images were included in this study.

They ranged in age from 18 to 29. The participants were shown images of travel or facial

cosmetic enhancements. Subsequent to evaluating the pictures, the members were then

approached to show their fulfillment with their appearance, as well as their longing to go through

superficial improvement. Participants who spent a significant amount of time on social media,

followed a lot of accounts, and were less satisfied with their appearance were more likely to have

their desires for cosmetic surgery affected by seeing images of females who had undergone

cosmetic enhancements, according to the findings of this study. According to Walker,

Krumhuber, Dayan, & Furnham (2002), the discussion of the study's findings includes a sort of

warning to parents, clinicians, and policymakers that they must comprehend how internet habits,

particularly the use of social media, influence the desire for cosmetic surgery, as well as the

psychosocial motivations underlying those intentions.

The concept of body image and how it might be influenced by social media were the

focus of this in-depth investigation. However, the young women who had participated in the

study and were seeking cosmetic surgery were the primary focus of this research. Although this

is a significant departure from the primary focus of the previous studies, the study's underlying

analysis of the impact of social media on the participants provides pertinent information on these

subjects. Additionally, it should be noted that the researchers who conducted this study have

pointed out the study's limitations. Even though the goal of this study was to learn more about

how young women who are considering cosmetic surgery use social media, the researchers found

that the sample they used was not very diverse. Because most of the participants in the study

were university students, the study found that the sample was largely homogeneous, making it

impossible to apply the findings to the entire population. According to Walker, Krumhuber,

Dayan, & Furnham (2002), a sample consisting solely of women of roughly the same age does

not accurately represent the population.

Concerning the moral ramifications of the recognized regions for predisposition inside

the review, the APA Set of rules reports that under standard 8.10, "Detailing Exploration

Results," that "Assuming clinicians find huge mistakes in their distributed information, they find

sensible ways to address such blunders in a remedy, withdrawal, slip, or other suitable

distribution signifies" (American Mental Affiliation, 2017). Although the study's data do not

have much weight in terms of validity or reliability, it did reveal the error that resulted from

employing a homogenous sample that was not representative of the population. If a more diverse

sample was used and the sample was representative of the population, the results would be more

reliable and valid.

When looking at these various research sources, there are a lot of recurring themes, as

well as some contradictions. In total, each of these studies' findings have a significant impact on

how the intended study is constructed. For instance, Goodyear's study (2020) investigated not

only the significant role that social media plays in the lives of today's adolescents and young

adults but also the potential beneficial applications of this influence in relation to health and

body positivity. This concept is like the Monks, Costello, Dare, & Reid Boyd study (2021),

which looked at how various media outlets could be used to promote positive body image. The

Rodgers et al. study also noted this (2020), that the study's findings indicated that adolescents'

use of social media is recognized as a significant component of their sociocultural environment,

which in turn contributes significantly to the appearance pressures they experience. In addition, a

survey was used in the study by Jarman, Marques, McLean, Slater, and Paxton (2021) to

investigate the factors that influence adolescents' use of social media, including information

sharing, escapism, social interaction, social capital, and appearance feedback. Teenagers are

drawn to these forms of social media by these factors alone. Legrand, Silete, & Schiffler (2020)

conducted research to investigate the relationships between physical exercise, self-esteem,

physical self-perceptions, and body image satisfaction in these individuals as well as the effects

of messages that a person has internalized from social media regarding the ideal body shape and

lifestyle. In the research conducted by Walker, Krumhuber, Dayan, and Furnham (2021), this

concept of internalizing messages or subliminal messages from social media also played a role.

The main difference, though, is that this study went one step further and investigated how these

factors affected participants' desire to have cosmetic surgery.

Research in this area is relatively new because social media is constantly updated and

used. The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection between how people perceive

their body image and their use of social media. There is a clear link between how people view

themselves and their bodies and how they use social media today, which has increased access to

and reliance on it. To additional exploration these subjects, an examination question should be

made. This research proposal's intended research question would be: Is there a link between a

rise in social media use and a decline in one's overall sense of self-worth? In addition, the

following would be the study's hypothesis: An increase in social media use is strongly associated

with a decrease in one's overall self-image satisfaction. This hypothesis will be addressed and

tested in the planned study.

Resources

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of

conduct (2002, amended effective June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2017).

http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.html

Goodyear, V. (2020). Narrative matters: Young people, social media and body image. Child

and

Adolescent Mental Health, 25 (1), 48–50.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1111/camh.12345

Jarman, H. K., Marques, M. D., McLean, S. A., Slater, A., & Paxton, S. J. (2021). Motivations

for Social Media Use: Associations with Social Media Engagement and Body

Satisfaction and Well-Being among Adolescents. Journal of Youth & Adolescence ,

50 (12), 2279–2293. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s10964-020-01390-z

Legrand, F., Silete, G., & Schiffler, F. (2020). Internalized Media-Promoted Body Ideals Only

Marginally Moderate the Effects of Exercise on Self-Esteem, Body Image Satisfaction,

and Physical Self-Perceptions. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport , 91 (4),

713–719. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1080/02701367.2019.1706713

Monks, H., Costello, L., Dare, J., & Reid Boyd, E. (2021). “We’re Continually Comparing

Ourselves to Something”: Navigating Body Image, Media, and Social Media Ideals at the

Nexus of Appearance, Health, and Wellness. Sex Roles , 84 (3/4), 221–237.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s11199-020-01162-w

Rodgers, R. F., Slater, A., Gordon, C. S., McLean, S. A., Jarman, H. K., & Paxton, S. J. (2020).

A Biopsychosocial Model of Social Media Use and Body Image Concerns, Disordered

Eating, and Muscle-Building Behaviors among Adolescent Girls and Boys. Journal of

Youth & Adolescence , 49 (2), 399–409.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s10964-019-01190-0

Walker, C. E., Krumhuber, E. G., Dayan, S., & Furnham, A. (2021). Effects of social media use

on desire for cosmetic surgery among young women. Current Psychology: A Journal for

Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues , 40 (7), 3355–3364.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s12144-019-00282-1