Facebook Photo Activity Associated with Body Image Disturbances in Young Adults

Abstract

The present research was extended and replicated to identify the Facebook Photo activity associated with Body Image Disturbances in young adults. Individuals around the world use social media for interaction. The problem arises when they start sharing their lives, as it leads to comparing self to others. 300 young adults (males & females) aged 19-40years were included. A quantitative correlational survey design was employed. Facebook and Total Internet Use (Rideout, 2010), Weight Satisfaction subscale of the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BES; Mendelson et al. 2001), Drive for Thinness a subscale of Eating Disorder Inventory (Garner et al., 1983), Sociocultural Internalization of Appearance Questionnaire (Keery et al., 2004), Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (PACS) (Thompson, Heinberg, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1991) and Self-Objectification Questionnaire (Noll & Fredrickson, 1998) were utilized. Research outcome suggested that young adults are satisfied with their weight and does not desire for a thin body image as it has been noted that social media sites now promote uneven body type and complexions to motivate individuals and increase empowerment. Different social media sites can also be explored with different age groups of cities across Pakistan.