Researchers have known for a while that spending too much time on social media can lead to unrealistic beauty standards and poor self-image. Among young men, platforms like TikTok and Instagram can pressure guys to keep working towards a more muscular physique, even if they are already fit.
A recent study published in New Media & Society has found that men fixated on likes and comments on their posts were more likely to show signs of muscle dysmorphia. It’s a distorted belief that their body is small and weak when that is not really the case. The latest research shows social media fueling muscle dysmorphia and creating unhealthy obsessions for six-pack abs and perfect pecs.
“Previous research has largely focused on women, but we’re now seeing that men are also vulnerable to the pressures of online body ideals,” says lead study author Luigi Donnarumma, a psychology honors graduate from the University of South Australia, in a media release.
The researchers surveyed almost 100 men between 18 and 34 on their social media activity. All confessed to viewing celebrity, fashion, and fitness content on social media platforms.
The link between muscular dysmorphia and social media was apparent when men interacted with the feedback from other social media users. Nineteen percent of men displayed symptoms related to muscle dysmorphia. According to the researchers, these young men were at a high risk of developing unrealistic expectations of their bodies.
“Muscle dysmorphia is an emerging issue, and our study shows that social media isn’t just a platform for sharing content: it’s a powerful source of social validation that can significantly impact how young men perceive their bodies,” says Donnarumma.
“Men are often exposed to hyper-muscular ideals online, particularly through fitness and celebrity content,” says Dr. John Mingoia, a lecturer at the University of South Australia and a study co-author. “When these posts attract a high volume of likes and positive comments, they reinforce the message that this is the body standard that men should strive for. Over time, this can lead to harmful behaviors such as excessive exercising, restricted eating, and even steroid use.”
One of the best ways to stop muscle dysmorphia is to prevent it from happening in the first place. The researchers advise limiting the time spent checking your social media posts. Additionally, they propose men seek out mental health programs targeted at addressing body issues such as muscle dysmorphia.
Source: https://studyfinds.org/likes-on-social-media-abs-pecs/
