Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

263. Instagram & Body Positivity Among Female Adolescents & Young Adults

2019; Elsevier BV; Volume: 64; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.10.280

1879-1972

Lauren E. Kelly, Sara Daneshjoo,

Social Media in Health Education

Recent data from the Pew Research Center indicates 71% of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 18-24 use Instagram. Previous research has shown that viewing images of thin bodies on Instagram is associated with negative perceptions of body image and low levels of self-esteem in female AYAs. However, social media sites like Instagram can provide a positive outlet of expression for young female activists, reframing perceptions of body image in a more positive way. More research is needed to determine how social media platforms can be used for social good and inspire young women to feel good about themselves and their bodies. In recent years, the Body Positive Movement has emerged on Instagram, but much is still unknown about this topic. The aim of this study was to explore the Body Positive Movement on Instagram. We conducted a content analysis of the top 100 Instagram posts featuring #bodypositive, as Instagram allows users to search by hashtags. Eligible public profiles were written in English and of individuals' ages 18-25 years. A codebook was developed using an iterative process to capture common content categories associated with the movement. Profile owner variables included location and vocation. Posts were analyzed by text, image, and hashtags and evaluated for overall tone. Variables of interest included: inspiration, body size/image, identity, love, mental health, physical health, and feminism. Interrater agreement was conducted for all variables on a 10% sub-sample. The 100 posts represented 100 unique profile owners. Over one third of profile owners (38%) were from the United States, with 18 different countries represented in total. Profile owners were most likely to be working as a model (28%) or writer/blogger (22%) and many represented themselves as advocates for body positivity and mental health. The majority of posts were positive in tone (63%) and inspirational (52%) (ex. "Hang in there ladies and I'm here to help you if you need it")! Frequency of key variables across posts included: body size/image (78%), identity (76%), love (49%), mental health (30%), physical health (29%), and feminism (29%). Hashtags were often used to connote a sense of identity and feminism (ex. #blackgirlyoga and #empowering women). Findings indicate that Instagram can provide a positive outlet of self-expression for female AYAs through participation in the Body Positive Movement. Instagram content for the #bodypositive community was most often positive and inspirational, with a majority of posts promoting body size/image and love. Online communities may serve as sources of social support for young women to discuss mental health concerns and promote physical health, along with a sense of identity and female empowerment.