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This paper describes an innovative approach combining a content analysis of commentary and images on a Facebook page with a thematic analysis of the subjective experience expressed in interviews of those impacted by the text and images. Interview participants were asked about their perceptions of the representation of the muscularity-focused identity on social media, including the specific Facebook page. Content analysis of the Facebook page comments showed that very muscular male images attracted predominantly negative feedback from the public, a trend supported by the interview participants. Thematic analysis of the interviews indicated that a negative social media representation and commentary can affect young men's self-esteem and increase body concern. Some men represented on the Page found it humorous, which could serve as a form of bonding for the muscularity-focused online community. Other young men acknowledged how harmful such negative feedback can be on their self-evaluations and body image, consistent with the sociocultural framework whereby negative representations can lead to increased body dissatisfaction., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

As research examining what constitutes Facebook false self-presentation is lacking, the aim of this study was to develop a preliminary inventory of Facebook false self-presentation behaviors, as well as identify predictors and possible outcomes. Participants (N = 211) completed questions regarding frequency of engagement in Facebook false self-presentation behaviors, as well as self-esteem, social influences, motivation strategies, well-being, depression, anxiety, and stress. Results indicated the presence of two distinct false self-presentation behaviors: lying (e.g., untruthful status updates, profile creation) and liking behaviors (e.g., liking posts dishonestly), each associated with different predictors and outcomes. Results indicated that moral norms significantly predicted lying behaviors; and age, self-esteem, group norms, and moral norms significantly predicted liking behaviors. Unexpectedly, liking behaviors were associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas lying behaviors were related to anxiety only. Findings highlight associations between online self-presentation strategies, in particular liking behaviors, on Facebook and possible offline negative mental health.

Given that a high drive for muscularity (DM) has been found to be associated with negative mental health outcomes for men, this research examined pathways involving social influence which may explain why some men are more susceptible to a DM than others. Building on previous qualitative research, this study examined psychosocial factors (self-esteem, perception of body by others, and body satisfaction during youth) and social influences (peer pressure and social media) associated with DM among young Australian men who lift weights and take bodybuilding supplements daily (N= 250) – both precursors for developing risky body enhancement strategies. This investigation extends the conceptualisation of social influence factors to include social identity (ingroup identification with a muscularity centred subculture). Path analysis found social media and peer pressure were directly associated with DM. Self-esteem and perception of body by others had a direct association with DM and an indirect association mediated by peer pressure and social media. Ingroup identification with a muscularity-centred subculture was associated with perception of body by others, peer pressure, and social media. These findings highlight the mediating role of social influences on DM in young men, reinforcing the role of peers especially via online mediums. Key Points What is already known about this topic: Men are increasingly reporting body dissatisfaction, often associated with an increased drive for muscularity. Research indicates a drive for muscularity is associated with psychosocial factors (e.g., self-esteem) and increasingly social influences (e.g., social media). Questions remain as to why some men are more susceptible than others to perform muscularity enhancing behaviour.What this topic adds: An online survey of 250 young men who weight-train and take supplements found social media and peer pressure had strong direct associations with DM. Psychosocial factors had direct and indirect associations with DM, mediated by the social influences of peer pressure and social media. Ingroup identification with a muscularity-centred subculture did not have a direct association with DM but was linked via other social influence constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Increasing numbers of young Australian men are training and dieting to attain high muscle mass and low body fat and using steroids and performance and image enhancing drugs to expedite this process. This study explored men's identification with a muscularity‐centred subculture and what contributes to the pursuit of masculine body image defined by muscularity. Method: Participants were 14 young men who (a) weight‐trained >3 times per week, (b) used bodybuilding supplements daily, and (c) used/had used steroids/other performance and image enhancing drugs. Results: Interview analysis identified precipitating (e.g., low self‐confidence), perpetuating (e.g., social media pressures), and resultant factors related to strict regime adherence, including simultaneous recreational drug use. This range of influences gives support to a sociocultural framework for explaining the development and maintenance of striving for a muscular ideal among this cohort. Conclusions: Understanding the factors contributing to the attainment of a muscularity‐defined masculine body image is important given the risky health behaviours young men may engage in to reach this ideal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]