The effects of comparisons of physical appearance on social media and social approval on eating attitudes

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of comparisons of physical appearance on social media and social approval on eating attitudes among university students. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The social media physical appearance comparison scale measured individuals’ tendencies to compare their physical appearance with that of others, and the need for social consent scale determined the need for social consent. Ethics committee approval was received for this research. The research sample consisted of 371 students enrolled in a university. Results: In the sample, 80.3% of the participating students were female, and 23.7% were overweight/obese. Eating disorders were detected in 11.6% of the students. The findings of this study show that eating attitudes in university students are affected by comparisons of appearances on social media and the need for social approval. It was determined that there was a positive relationship between eating attitudes and comparisons of physical appearance on social media, and as these comparisons increased, eating disorders also increased. It was determined that there was a positive relationship between eating attitudes and the need for social approval, and as the need for social approval increased, eating disorders also increased. Conclusion: Research findings can contribute to designing interventions to improve eating attitudes, the need for social consent and media literacy among students. In line with these findings, media literacy training, activities that promote positive body perception, and programs that encourage conscious consumption of content on social media can be developed. Such interventions help young people develop positive eating attitudes and become more resilient against the adverse effects of digital media and their social environment.