Summary: Researchers found a strong link between social media photo filter use and increased muscle dysmorphia symptoms in Canadian adolescents and young adults. Analyzing data from 912 participants, researchers noted higher levels of muscle dissatisfaction and body image issues, particularly among boys and men.
The study emphasizes the critical need for awareness and interventions targeting the negative impacts of digital image manipulation. The study advocates for further research and media literacy programs to address these mental health challenges.
Key Facts:
- The study involved 912 participants from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors.
- Boys and men using photo filters showed higher muscle dysmorphia symptoms than girls and women.
- The research underscores the importance of media literacy programs to mitigate the negative effects of photo filters on body image.
Source: University of Toronto
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto has unveiled a significant association between the use of photo filters on social media and increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among adolescents and young adults in Canada.
This study, which analyzed data from 912 participants from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, emphasizes the growing concern over the impact of digital image manipulation on body image and mental health.
The research reveals that the use of photo filters, commonly found on apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, is linked to greater muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, a condition marked by an obsessive preoccupation with muscularity, body dissatisfaction, and social and functional impairment, particularly among boys and men.
“It was clear in our study that frequent use of photo filters is associated with higher levels of muscle dissatisfaction and overall muscle dysmorphia symptoms,” says Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, the lead author on the study.
“Notably, gender plays a significant role, with boys and men who use photo filters exhibiting greater drive to increase their muscularity and social and occupational functioning challenges compared to girls and women in the study.”
The findings highlight the critical need for awareness and interventions targeting the negative effects of photo filter use on body image. With the rising popularity of social media platforms that encourage digital image manipulation, it is crucial to address how these technologies influence self-perception and mental health, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.
“Our study sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of photo filter use on muscle dysmorphia, especially among boys and men,” says Ganson.
“As digital image manipulation becomes more advanced and widespread, it is essential to understand and mitigate its potential harm on body image and mental health.”
The study calls for further research to explore the mechanisms driving the association between photo filter use and muscle dysmorphia. Additionally, there is a need for media literacy programs that educate young people about the potential risks of digital image manipulation and promote healthier body image practices.
About this body image and muscle dysmorphia research news
Author: Dale Duncan
Source: University of Toronto
Contact: Dale Duncan – University of Toronto
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Use of Photo Filters is Associated with Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology among Adolescents and Young Adults” by Kyle Ganson et al. Body Image
Abstract
Use of Photo Filters is Associated with Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology among Adolescents and Young Adults
It has been documented in the literature that the use of photo filters to alter one’s appearance may negatively impact body image and increase the risk for thinness-oriented disordered eating behaviors.
However, the prior research has neglected to investigate the association between use of photo filters and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, which was the aim of this study. Data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors (2022; N = 912), a national study of adolescents and young adults in Canada, were analyzed.
Linear regression analyses revealed that the use of photo filters was associated with greater muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, including total symptomatology and Appearance Intolerance, among the overall sample.
Gender significantly moderated the association between photo filter use and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, whereby boys and young men, compared to girls and young women, who reported photo filter use had greater Drive for Size and Functional Impairment symptomatology.
Findings expand prior research by emphasizing that photo filter use is related to muscularity-oriented body image concerns and behaviors. Future research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin this association.
