Multiple exposure to appearance-focused real accounts on Instagram: Effects on body image among both genders

This study experimentally investigated the effects of a multiple exposure to appearance-focused real Instagram profile images on body image among both genders. Experimental group participants were 54 young non-Instagram users (F = 50%) who were assigned to view a set of appearance-focused real Instagram profiles for a one-week period and were compared with the same-age non-exposed group (n = 76; F = 50%). Results showed that a multiple exposure to appearance-focused real Instagram profiles of attractive same-sex people led to greater body dissatisfaction among women. Moreover, women in the experimental group showed an increase in the extent to which they define themselves and their self-worth by their physical appearance. Among men, we did not find an effect of exposure to same-sex attractive images on muscular dissatisfaction, fat dissatisfaction, and investment in body image, although a tendency toward an increment of the scores was observed for all the dependent variables. Implications for future research on Instagram use and body image are also discussed.