The Implications of Social Media in Dietary Habits and Body Image; exploring Gender Differences

Hutchison, Zoe (2023) The Implications of Social Media in Dietary Habits and Body Image; exploring Gender Differences. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Aims: The present study examined the implications of social media engagement in body image and dietary habits, while also exploring the gender differences within these variables. Research has begun to objectively study these issues, producing contradictory findings. Therefore, this research sought to expand upon these findings and strengthen them by investigating the strength of these relationships. Method: Participants (N=111) completed a questionnaire through social media, measuring their social media engagement, body image, undereating and overeating negative behaviours; encompassing the body image scale (BISS), Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ), and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). Results: Results from a Pearson’s regression analysis and T-test revealed that higher levels of social media engagement by individuals are associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and negative image perception. Similarly, more social media engagement predicted both undereating and overeating negative dietary behaviours. No substantial distinction between the genders for body image were found, with men marginally outperforming women. Conclusion: These research findings assist in better comprehending how social media use among users negatively affects both individuals relationship with food and how individuals perceive their bodies. Results, which cast doubt on the misconception that men are not as heavily impacted by these problems as women, is crucial, as they indicate that more investigation on gender differences should be undertaken. The results have noteworthy practical ramifications for how individuals use digital platforms.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email O'Brien, Fearghal UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Body image H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Gender Q Science > QP Physiology > Nutrition Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4150 Computer Network Resources > The Internet > World Wide Web > Websites > Online social networks T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering > Telecommunications > The Internet > World Wide Web > Websites > Online social networks
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2023 12:04
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2023 12:04
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6704

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