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

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Abstract

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.

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Data Availability

The dataset analyzed during the current study is not yet publicly available because the authors are waiting for the consent from 7 participants to public the data on an open platform. However, the data are available from the corresponding author on request from the Editor/reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Sciences, Psychology and Psychiatry Unit, University of Florence, via di San Salvi 12, Florence, Italy

    Silvia Casale, Gabriele Gemelli, Barbara Giangrasso & Giulia Fioravanti

  2. School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Chiara Calosi

Authors
  1. Silvia Casale
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  2. Gabriele Gemelli
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  3. Chiara Calosi
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  4. Barbara Giangrasso
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  5. Giulia Fioravanti
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Correspondence to Silvia Casale.

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Casale, S., Gemelli, G., Calosi, C. et al. Multiple exposure to appearance-focused real accounts on Instagram: Effects on body image among both genders. Curr Psychol 40, 2877–2886 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00229-6

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