The impact of social media on self-evaluations of men striving for a muscular ideal
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White, Katherine M
Hides, Leanne M
Obst, Patricia L
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Abstract
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.
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Journal of Community Psychology
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49
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2
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© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: The impact of social media on self-evaluations of men striving for a muscular ideal, Journal of Community Psychology, 49 (2), pp. 725-736, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22489. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
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Psychology
Science & Technology
Social Sciences
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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Piatkowski, TM; White, KM; Hides, LM; Obst, PL, The impact of social media on self-evaluations of men striving for a muscular ideal, Journal of Community Psychology, 2020, 49 (2), pp. 725-736