Does Accessed Content Matter? Social Media and Body (Dis)satisfaction: A Moderation Analysis

Abstract

Abstract The type of content accessed on social networks may negatively affect body image. The objective of the study is to identify in the relationship between the frequency of use of social networks (Freq. SM) and body (dis)satisfaction, the moderating role of following physical appearance focused pages (FON) and to identify differences in the levels of body (dis)satisfaction between those who follow or not these pages. 499 women (71.1%) and 203 men (28.9%) adults participated. All answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Situational Body Satisfaction Scale. Moderation analyses were performed. Significant differences were identified in body (dis)satisfaction between women who follow pages focused on physical appearance and those who do not. For women, “FON” is a significant moderator. For men, no results were significant. The findings contribute to reflections on the female body ideal the research method applied to social networks.