Negative body talk as an outcome of friends’ fitness posts on social networking sites: body surveillance and social comparison as potential moderators

Arroyo, Analisa; Brunner, Steven R.

doi:10.1080/00909882.2016.1192293

Cited by 67Eating Disorders and BehaviorsBody Image and Dysmorphia StudiesImpact of Technology on Adolescents

Negative body talk as an outcome of friends’ fitness posts on social networking sites: body surveillance and social comparison as potential moderators

Arroyo, Analisa, Brunner, Steven R.·2016·Journal of Applied Communication Research

DOI 10.1080/00909882.2016.1192293

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

A sample of 488 male and female young adults completed an online survey in effort to explore whether social networking sites (SNSs) are a way in which sociocultural influences regarding body image are propagated. Negative body talk was predicted as an outcome to frequent exposure to friends’ fitness posts (e.g. pictures and status updates about working out, fitness inspiration quotations/images, etc.); we also explored whether this relationship was moderated by body surveillance and social comparison. Results revealed that friends’ fitness posts were positively associated with negative body talk, and this relationship was strongest for individuals who reported a higher tendency to compare themselves to others – even after controlling for body satisfaction, healthy eating and exercise behaviors, and frequency of SNS use.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/00909882.2016.1192293

Cites

79 of 79 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

High exposure to pictures and appearance-related conversations and comparisons to different target groups on SNS (especially Facebook) are related to appearance concerns and self-objectification.
“Studies have also shown that high exposure to pictures and appearance-related conversations and comparisons to different target groups on SNS (especially Facebook) are related to appearance concerns and self-objectification (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016; Fardouly et al., 2015; Fardouly & Vartanian, 2015; Manago et al., 2015; Meier & Grey, 2014; Trekels, Ward, & Eggermont, 2018).”
From Adolescents’ Body Shame and Social Networking Sites: The Mediating Effect of Body Image Control in Photos (2020) · cites this paper as Arroyo & Brunner, 2016

The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations.
Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.51.6.1173 · Cited by 91,542 · see citing works
The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations
Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.51.6.1173 · Cited by 91,532 · see citing works
Multiple regression: testing and interpreting interactions
(1992) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.29-3352 · Cited by 36,644 · see citing works
Social Learning Theory
Kytle, J., & Bandura, A. (1978) · Contemporary Sociology · doi:10.2307/2065952 · Cited by 25,422 · see citing works
A theory of social comparison processes
Festinger, L. (1954) · Human Relations · doi:10.1177/001872675400700202 · Cited by 20,926 · see citing works
The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college students' use of online social network sites.
Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007) · Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00367.x · Cited by 9,939 · see citing works
Objectification Theory: Toward Understanding Women's Lived Experiences and Mental Health Risks
Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T.-A. (1997) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1111/j.1471-6402.1997.tb00108.x · Cited by 5,531 · see citing works
Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance.
Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L. J., Altabe, M., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1999) · doi:10.1037/10312-000 · Cited by 3,100 · see citing works
North American Journal of Psychology, 1999.
McCutcheon, L. E. (1999) · North American journal of psychology · Cited by 2,606 · see citing works
Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds
Foehr, U. G., Rideout, V. J., & Roberts, D. F. (2010) · Cited by 2,197 · see citing works
Social Media Use in Organizations: Exploring the Affordances of Visibility, Editability, Persistence, and Association
Treem, J. W., & Leonardi, P. M. (2013) · Annals of the International Communication Association · doi:10.1080/23808985.2013.11679130 · Cited by 2,113 · see citing works
Generation M2 : Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-year-olds
Rideout, V. (2010) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 2,016 · see citing works
Individual differences in social comparison: Development of a scale of social comparison orientation.
Gibbons, F. X., & Buunk, B. P. (1999) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.76.1.129 · Cited by 1,813 · see citing works
Taking risky opportunities in youthful content creation: Teenagers’ use of social networking sites for intimacy, privacy and self-expression
Livingstone, S. (2008) · New Media & Society · doi:10.1177/1461444808089415 · Cited by 1,780 · see citing works
The Objectified Body Consciousness Scale
McKinley, N. M., & Hyde, J. S. (1996) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1111/j.1471-6402.1996.tb00467.x · Cited by 1,724 · see citing works
Social comparison activity under threat: Downward evaluation and upward contacts.
Taylor, S. E., & Lobel, M. (1989) · Psychological Review · doi:10.1037/0033-295x.96.4.569 · Cited by 1,296 · see citing works
Social Media Use in Organizations: Exploring the Affordances of Visibility, Editability, Persistence, and AssociationPreprint
Treem, J. W., & Leonardi, P. M. (2012) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.2129853 · Cited by 1,098 · see citing works
A variance explanation paradox: When a little is a lot.
Abelson, R. P. (1985) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.97.1.129 · Cited by 1,045 · see citing works
Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults
Mendelson, B. K., Mendelson, M. J., & White, D. R. (2001) · Journal of Personality Assessment · doi:10.1207/s15327752jpa7601_6 · Cited by 1,009 · see citing works
When small effects are impressive
Prentice, D. A., & Miller, D. T. (1992) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.160 · Cited by 1,008 · see citing works
Media Literacy: From a Report of the National Leadership Conference on Media Literacy
Aufderheide, P. (2018) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781351292924-4 · Cited by 799 · see citing works
NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls
Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2013) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.22141 · Cited by 741 · see citing works
Social comparison in everyday life
Wheeler, L., & Miyake, K. (1992) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.62.5.760 · Cited by 699 · see citing works
The Relationship Between Media Consumption and Eating Disorders
Harrison, K., & Cantor, J. R. (1997) · Journal of Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.1997.tb02692.x · Cited by 693 · see citing works
The Role of Social Comparison in the Effect of Magazine Advertisements on Women's Mood and Body Dissatisfaction
Tiggemann, M., & McGill, B. (2004) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.23.1.23.26991 · Cited by 649 · see citing works
Facebook Photo Activity Associated with Body Image Disturbance in Adolescent Girls
Meier, E. P., & Gray, J. (2014) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2013.0305 · Cited by 585 · see citing works
“Everybody Knows That Mass Media are/are not [ <i>pick one</i> ] a Cause of Eating Disorders”: A Critical Review of Evidence for a Causal Link Between Media, Negative Body Image, and Disordered Eating in Females
Levine, M. P., & Murnen, S. K. (2009) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.2009.28.1.9 · Cited by 501 · cited 1× · see citing works
“We recommend promoting and encouraging social media literacy as it relates body image and health outcomes, just as is the case for media literacy programs in combatting negative body image for more traditional forms of media (e.g. television; Levine & Murnen, 2009).”
Method
Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace
(2020) · Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace · doi:10.5817/cyberpsychology · Cited by 334 · see citing works
Public Intimacy: Disclosure Interpretation and Social Judgments on Facebook
Bazarova, N. N. (2012) · Journal of Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2012.01664.x · Cited by 314 · see citing works
The Internet and Adolescent Girls’ Weight Satisfaction and Drive for Thinness
Tiggemann, M., & Miller, J. (2010) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-010-9789-z · Cited by 296 · see citing works
NetTweens
Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2013) · The Journal of Early Adolescence · doi:10.1177/0272431613501083 · Cited by 285 · see citing works
Developing social media literacy: How children learn to interpret risky opportunities on social network sites
Livingstone, S. (2014) · Communications · doi:10.1515/commun-2014-0113 · Cited by 283 · see citing works
Adverse effects of social pressure to be thin on young women: An experimental investigation of the effects of “fat talk”
Stice, E. M., Maxfield, J., & Wells, T. T. (2003) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.10171 · Cited by 278 · see citing works
Facebook Involvement, Objectified Body Consciousness, Body Shame, and Sexual Assertiveness in College Women and Men
Manago, A. M., Ward, L. M., Lemm, K. M., Reed, L., & Seabrook, R. (2015) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-014-0441-1 · Cited by 269 · see citing works
Effects of Sexually Objectifying Media on Self-Objectification and Body Surveillance in Undergraduates: Results of a 2-Year Panel Study
Aubrey, J. S. (2006) · Journal of Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00024.x · Cited by 268 · see citing works
Body image and eating disorder symptoms in sexual minority men: A test and extension of objectification theory.
Wiseman, M. C., & Moradi, B. (2010) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0018937 · Cited by 260 · see citing works
Constructing the Self through the Photo selection - Visual Impression Management on Social Networking Websites
(2009) · Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace · Cited by 253 · see citing works
e-Ana and e-Mia: A content analysis of pro-eating disorder Web sites
Borzekowski, D. L. G., Schenk, S., Wilson, J. L., & Peebles, R. (2010) · American Journal of Public Health · doi:10.2105/ajph.2009.172700 · Cited by 246 · see citing works
The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale
Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L. J., & Tantleff‐Dunn, S. (1991) · Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) · Cited by 244 · see citing works
Body Objectification and “Fat Talk”: Effects on Emotion, Motivation, and Cognitive Performance
Gapinski, K. D., Brownell, K. D., & LaFrance, M. (2003) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1023/a:1023516209973 · Cited by 235 · see citing works
Social Comparisons and Adjustment Among Cardiac Patients1
Helgeson, V. S., & Taylor, S. E. (1993) · Journal of Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.1993.tb01027.x · Cited by 188 · see citing works
‘Off your Face(book)’: Alcohol in online social identity construction and its relation to problem drinking in university students
Ridout, B., Campbell, A., & Ellis, L. A. (2011) · Drug and Alcohol Review · doi:10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00277.x · Cited by 182 · see citing works
The Mirror of Television: A Comparison of Black and White Adolescents' Body Image
Botta, R. A. (2000) · Journal of Communication · doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2000.tb02857.x · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Social Media Use, Body Image, and Psychological Well-Being: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Korea and the United States
Lee, H.-R., Lee, H., Choi, J., Kim, J.-H., & Han, H. (2014) · Journal of health communication · doi:10.1080/10810730.2014.904022 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
The Prevention of Eating Problems and Eating Disorders
Levine, M. P., & Smolak, L. (2006) · Psychology Press eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781410613189 · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Fat Talk Among College Women is Both Contagious and Harmful
Salk, R. H., & Engeln, R. (2011) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-011-0050-1 · Cited by 129 · see citing works
Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Engaging in Fat Talk
Arroyo, A., & Harwood, J. (2012) · Journal of Applied Communication Research · doi:10.1080/00909882.2012.654500 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Self-citation
Do Appearance Focused Cognitive Distortions Moderate the Relationship between Social Comparisons to Peers and Media Images and Body Image Disturbance?
Ridolfi, D. R., Myers, T. A., Crowther, J. H., & Ciesla, J. A. (2011) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-011-9961-0 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Body talk among college men: Content, correlates, and effects
Engeln, R., Sladek, M. R., & Waldron, H. (2013) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.02.001 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Is fat talking a causal risk factor for body dissatisfaction? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Sharpe, H., Naumann, U., Treasure, J. L., & Schmidt, U. H. (2013) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.22151 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Relationships Between Perceived Close Social Support and Health Practices Within Community Samples of American Women and Men
Jackson, T. (2006) · The Journal of Psychology · doi:10.3200/jrlp.140.3.229-246 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Assessing Women’s Negative Commentary on Their Own Bodies
Engeln, R., Salk, R. H., & Miller, S. A. (2012) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0361684312441593 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Looking Good Versus Feeling Good: An Investigation of Media Frames of Health Advice and Their Effects on Women’s Body-related Self-perceptions
Aubrey, J. S. (2010) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-010-9768-4 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
The Interplay of Friendship Networks and Social Networking Sites: Longitudinal Analysis of Selection and Influence Effects on Adolescent Smoking and Alcohol Use
Huang, G. C., Soto, D. W., Fujimoto, K., & Valente, T. W. (2014) · American Journal of Public Health · doi:10.2105/ajph.2014.302038 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
An experimental test of processes underlying self-disclosure in computer-mediated communication
Schouten, A. P., Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2009) · Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Communication Yearbook 38
(2014) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315858470 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Women’s and Men’s Eating Behavior Following Exposure to Ideal-Body Images and Text
Harrison, K., Taylor, L. D., & Marske, A. L. (2006) · Communication Research · doi:10.1177/0093650206293247 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Development and psychometric evaluation of a quantitative measure of “fat talk”
Clarke, P. M., Murnen, S. K., & Smolak, L. (2009) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2009.09.006 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
Book Review
Wertheim, E. H. (2006) · Clinical Psychologist · doi:10.1080/13284200600690446 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
CDC's Use of Social Media and Humor in a Risk Campaign—“Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse”
Fraustino, J. D., & Ma, L. (2015) · Journal of Applied Communication Research · doi:10.1080/00909882.2015.1019544 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
A Picture is Worth Twenty Words (About the Self): Testing the Priming Influence of Visual Sexual Objectification on Women's Self-Objectification
Aubrey, J. S., Goode, J. R., Hopper, K. M., & Smith, S. E. (2009) · Communication Research Reports · doi:10.1080/08824090903293551 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Examining “fat talk” experimentally in a female dyad: How are women influenced by another woman's body presentation style?
Tucker, K., Martz, D. M., Curtin, L., & Bazzini, D. G. (2007) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.12.005 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
The Relationship of Television Viewing with Attitude Strength and Extremity: Implications for the Cultivation Effect
Shrum, L. J. (1999) · Media Psychology · doi:10.1207/s1532785xmep0101_2 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Fitter with Twitter: Understanding Personal Health and Fitness Activity in Social Media
Teodoro, R., & Naaman, M. (2021) · Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media · doi:10.1609/icwsm.v7i1.14417 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Who is most likely to fat talk? A social comparison perspective
Corning, A. F., & Gondoli, D. M. (2012) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2012.05.004 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Connecting theory to fat talk: Body dissatisfaction mediates the relationships between weight discrepancy, upward comparison, body surveillance, and fat talk
Arroyo, A. (2014) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.04.006 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Self-citation
Covering Your Face on Facebook
Strano, M. M., & Queen, J. W. (2012) · Journal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications · doi:10.1027/1864-1105/a000076 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Effects of witnessing fat talk on body satisfaction and psychological well-being: A cross-cultural comparison of Korea and the United States
Lee, H. E., Taniguchi, E., Modica, A., & Park, H. (2013) · Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal · doi:10.2224/sbp.2013.41.8.1279 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Appearance-Related Communication Mediates the Link Between Self-Objectification and Health and Well-Being Outcomes
Arroyo, A., Segrin, C. G., & Harwood, J. (2014) · Human Communication Research · doi:10.1111/hcre.12036 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Self-citation
The Relationship Between Exposure to Alcohol-Related Content on Facebook and Predictors of Alcohol Consumption Among Female Emerging Adults
Miller, J. S. A., Prichard, I. J., Hutchinson, A. D., & Wilson, C. J. (2014) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2014.0337 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
The Importance of Campaign Saliency as a Predictor of Attitude and Behavior Change: A Pilot Evaluation of Social Marketing Campaign Fat Talk Free Week
Garnett, B. R., Buelow, R., Franko, D. L., Becker, C. B., Rodgers, R. F., & Austin, S. B. (2013) · Health Communication · doi:10.1080/10410236.2013.827613 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Opinions From Others Like You: The Role of Perceived Source Similarity
Chang, C. (2011) · Media Psychology · doi:10.1080/15213269.2011.620539 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Cross-Cultural Differences between Japanese and American Female College Students in the Effects of Witnessing Fat Talk on Facebook
Taniguchi, E., & Lee, H. E. (2012) · Journal of Intercultural Communication Research · doi:10.1080/17475759.2012.728769 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Educational Packages about the Risks on Social Network Sites: State of the Art
Vanderhoven, E., Schellens, T., & Valcke, M. (2014) · Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.1207 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
The effects of negative body talk in an ethnically diverse sample of college students.
Katrevich, A. V., Register, J. D., & Aruguete, M. S. (2014) · North American journal of psychology · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Theorizing Fat Talk: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Intergroup Communication About Groups
Arroyo, A., & Harwood, J. (2014) · Annals of the International Communication Association · doi:10.1080/23808985.2014.11679162 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Self-citation
Magazine Exposure and Body Dissatisfaction: The Mediating Roles of Thin Ideal Internalization and Fat Talk
Arroyo, A. (2015) · Communication Research Reports · doi:10.1080/08824096.2015.1052905 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Self-citation
101. Voices of Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia: A Qualitative Analysis of Reasons for Entering and Continuing Pro-Eating Disorder Website Usage
Peebles, R., Harrison, S. M., McCown, K., Wilson, J. L., Borzekowski, D. L. G., & Lock, J. (2012) · Journal of Adolescent Health · doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.10.167 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Pro-ana, murderous face of the Internet
Gwizdek, A., Gwizdek, K., & Koszowska, A. (2012) · Progress in Health Sciences · Cited by 2 · see citing works

Flagged first, then by citations

Sorted by citations

A meta-analytic review of the relationship between social media use and body image disturbance
Saiphoo, A. N., & Vahedi, Z. (2019) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.028 · Cited by 539 · see citing works
Social Media, Body Image and Food Choices in Healthy Young Adults: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Rounsefell, K., Gibson, S., McLean, S., Blair, M., Molenaar, A., Brennan, L., Truby, H., & McCaffrey, T. A. (2020) · Nutrition & Dietetics · doi:10.1111/1747-0080.12581 · Cited by 472 · see citing works
Sexualizing Media Use and Self-Objectification
Karsay, K., Knoll, J., & Matthes, J. (2017) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0361684317743019 · Cited by 211 · see citing works
The relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health: a systematic review
Faelens, L., Hoorelbeke, K., Cambier, R., van Put, J., Van de Putte, E., De Raedt, R., & Koster, E. H. W. (2021) · Computers in Human Behavior Reports · doi:10.1016/j.chbr.2021.100121 · Cited by 182 · see citing works
“…fitspiration and appearance/social comparison are inconclusive, with one study suggesting a positive association between both constructs (Fatt et al., 2019), a second study reporting mixed findings (Fardouly et al., 2018) and another study finding no association at all (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Social comparison and continuance intention of smart fitness wearables: an extended expectation confirmation theory perspective
Gupta, A., Dhiman, N., Yousaf, A., & Arora, N. (2020) · Behaviour and Information Technology · doi:10.1080/0144929x.2020.1748715 · Cited by 172 · see citing works
“In the context of ﬁ tness, Arroyo and Brunner (2016) observed that individuals, who have higher tendency to compare themselves to others, are associated with negative body talk when they see their friends ’ ﬁ tness post on social media.”
Background
Do selfie-expectancies and social appearance anxiety predict adolescents’ problematic social media use?
Boursier, V., Gioia, F., & Griffiths, M. D. (2020) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2020.106395 · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Selfie-engagement on social media: Pathological narcissism, positive expectation, and body objectification – Which is more influential?
Boursier, V., Gioia, F., & Griffiths, M. D. (2020) · Addictive Behaviors Reports · doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100263 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
Adolescents’ Body Shame and Social Networking Sites: The Mediating Effect of Body Image Control in Photos
Gioia, F., Griffiths, M. D., & Boursier, V. (2020) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-020-01142-0 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Body Talk on Social Networking Sites, Body Surveillance, and Body Shame among Young Adults: The Roles of Self-Compassion and Gender
Wang, Y., Wang, X., Yang, J., Zeng, P., & Lei, L. (2019) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-019-01084-2 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
The effects of fitspiration and self-compassion Instagram posts on body image and self-compassion in men and women
Barron, A. M., Krumrei-Mancuso, E. J., & Harriger, J. A. (2021) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.01.003 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Social comparison of fitness social media postings by fitness app users
Kim, H.-M. (2022) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2022.107204 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
The dark side of social media platforms: A situation-organism-behaviour-consequence approach
Jabeen, F., Tandon, A., Azad, N., Islam, A. K. M. N., & Pereira, V. E. (2022) · Technological Forecasting and Social Change · doi:10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122104 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
The Associations Between Instagram Use, Selfie Activities, Appearance Comparison, and Body Dissatisfaction in Adult Men
Modica, C. A. (2020) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2019.0434 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Negative body talk measures for Asian, Latina(o), and White women and men: Measurement equivalence and associations with ethnic-racial identity
Sladek, M. R., Salk, R. H., & Engeln, R. (2018) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.02.005 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Facebook, body esteem, and body surveillance in adult women: The moderating role of self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth
Modica, C. A. (2019) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.02.002 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Body Talk on Social Networking Sites and Cosmetic Surgery Consideration Among Chinese Young Adults: A Serial Mediation Model Based on Objectification Theory
Wang, Y., Fardouly, J., Vartanian, L. R., Wang, X., & Lei, L. (2021) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/03616843211026273 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“For example, viewing friends’ fitness posts on SNS was positively related to the frequency of body talk (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
Background
The impact of social media on self‐evaluations of men striving for a muscular ideal
Piatkowski, T. M., White, K. M., Hides, L. M., & Obst, P. L. (2020) · Journal of Community Psychology · doi:10.1002/jcop.22489 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Factors affecting body image perception, social media addiction, and social media consciousness regarding physical appearance in adolescents
Çimke, S., & Gürkan, D. Y. (2023) · Journal of Pediatric Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2023.09.010 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Body talk on social networking sites and body dissatisfaction among young women: A moderated mediation model of peer appearance pressure and self-compassion
Wang, Y., Yang, J., Wang, J., Yin, L., & Lei, L. (2020) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-020-00704-5 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
The Paradoxical Outcomes of Observing Others’ Exercise Behavior on Social Network Sites: Friends’ Exercise Posts, Exercise Attitudes, and Weight Concern
Burke, T. J., & Rains, S. A. (2018) · Health Communication · doi:10.1080/10410236.2018.1428404 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“In providing a mechanism for broadly sharing information about one’s life, SNSs create the potential for users to be routinely exposed to the exercise habits and physical activity of a diverse group of others ranging from close friends to distant acquaintances (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Comparing comparisons: Assimilation and contrast processes and outcomes following social and temporal comparison
Vogel, E. A., Rose, J. P., Aspiras, O. G., Edmonds, K. A., & Gallinari, E. F. (2019) · Self and Identity · doi:10.1080/15298868.2019.1647278 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Outperforming iBodies: A Conceptual Framework Integrating Body Performance Self-Tracking Technologies with Body Image and Eating Concerns
Berry, R., Rodgers, R. F., & Campagna, J. (2020) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-020-01201-6 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“However, viewing these types of social media posts (often called “fitspiration”) can have detrimental effects ranging from poor body image to negative body talk (Arroyo and Brunner 2016; Tiggemann and Zaccardo 2015).”
Background
Stop talking about it already! Co-ruminating and social media focused on COVID-19 was associated with heightened state anxiety, depressive symptoms, and perceived changes in health anxiety during Spring 2020
Stone, L. B., & Veksler, A. E. (2022) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-022-00734-7 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Whether and how will using social media induce social anxiety? The correlational and causal evidence from Chinese society
Yang, F., Li, M., & Yang, H. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1217415 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“On social media, users can autonomously determine which aspects of them will be presented on the platform, and if necessary, they also can employ the beauty filter to construct perfect self-images following their aesthetic preference (Arroyo and Brunner, 2016; Yao et al., 2020).”
Fat talk: A citizen sociolinguistic approach
SturtzSreetharan, C., Agostini, G., Brewis, A., & Wutich, A. (2019) · Journal of Sociolinguistics · doi:10.1111/josl.12342 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Body talk on social network sites and body dissatisfaction among college students: The mediating roles of appearance ideals internalization and appearance comparison
Wang, Y., Geng, J., Ma, K. D., Chu, X., & Lei, L. (2022) · Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace · doi:10.5817/cp2022-3-2 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“For instance, a previous study showed that exposure to friends’ fitness posts on SNS was positively related to body talk (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
Result
Implications of Socio-Cultural Pressure for a Thin Body Image on Avoidance of Social Interaction and on Corrective, Compensatory or Compulsive Shopping Behaviour
Azevedo, A., & Azevedo, Â. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20043567 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“For example, Arroyo and Brunner [47] verified that friends’ fitness posts on social networks (SNS) were positively associated with negative body talk and that this relationship was strongest for individuals who reported a higher tendency to compare themselves to oth- Int.”
Background
Posting Exercise Activity on Social Media for Self-Efficacy and Well-Being
Kashian, N., & Liu, Y. (2019) · Southern Communication Journal · doi:10.1080/1041794x.2019.1658801 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“Moreover, users who compare themselves to friends’ exercise posts report experiencing negative body talk (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016), weight concern, and pro-exercise attitudes (Burke & Rains, 2018).”
Background
Personal Narrative under Nationalism: Chinese COVID-19 Vaccination Expressions on Douyin
Yang, Z., Luo, X., Jia, H., Xie, Y., & Zhang, R. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191912553 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“Individualism/Nationalism and Health-Related Behaviour on Social Media Platforms With the emphasis on narrative, another important feature of health-related discussions on social media platforms is individualism, or so-called personalization [37,38].”
Background
Fat talk, old talk, or both? Association of negative body talk with mental health, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life in men and women
Hooper, S. C., Kilpela, L. S., Ogubuike, V., & Becker, C. B. (2023) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-023-00803-1 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“The NBTS has been modified similarly in past research; Arroyo and Brunner [34] changed the pronouns to “she/ him” or “hers/his.”
ResultInfluential
Social networks’ unnoticed influence on body image in Spanish university students
Martínez, P. A., Perea-Moreno, A.-J., Martínez-Jiménez, P., Varo, I. S.-V., & Abellán, M. V. (2017) · Telematics and Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.tele.2017.08.001 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Social Media and Self-Concept Among Postsecondary Students: A Scoping Review
Rafiq, A., & Linden, B. (2024) · Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2023.0451 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“26 A study by Barron et al. found that gender was not a signiﬁcant moderator for the relationship between exposure to ﬁtspiration posts and the self, indicating that both male and female students are equally impacted by this content.”
Influential
Validation and structural exploration of the Chinese version of the Body Talk Scale
Wu, Y., Tang, J., Meng, X., Wang, F., Sun, X., Fan, S., Ma, J., & Wu, Y. (2024) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101766 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Unveiling the relationship between social media and self-objectification: A three-level meta-analysis
Wang, H., Alivi, M. A., & Mustafa, S. E. (2025) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101895 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Exploring the interplay between fat talk, social media use and body image among young women: New opportunities for health education?
Kennedy, L., Preston, G., & Kenny, U. (2023) · Health Education Journal · doi:10.1177/00178969221146635 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“…with body image constructs and outcomes, including body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalisation, appearance-based comparisons, body checking or body surveillance behaviour, and body shame (e.g. Arroyo, 2014; Arroyo and Brunner 2016; Mills and FullerTyszkiewicz, 2016; Mills et al., 2019).”
Background
The Culture of Narcissism: A Philosophical Analysis of “Fitspiration” and the Objectified Self
Daudi, A. (2022) · Physical Culture and Sport Studies and Research · doi:10.2478/pcssr-2022-0005 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
The predictors of objectified body consciousness among adolescents: Socıal appearance anxiety and social media use
Söyünmez, S., Efe, Y. S., Kudubeş, A. A., & Caner, N. (2024) · Archives of Psychiatric Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2024.06.024 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“It has been reported that social appearance anxiety and self-objectification levels of adolescents exposed to photographs and appearance-related conversations on social media are related (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016; Trekels & Eggermont, 2021).”
Artificial intelligence products and their influence on individuals’ objectification: a narrative review
Wu, W., & Wang, Y. (2024) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-024-06747-2 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“For example, Arroyo and Brunner (2016 ) found that individuals, both men and women, who often engage in high levels of social comparison felt worse about their bodies after viewing fitness posts from friends.”
“OMG you look amazing”: A systematic examination of the text-based interactions surrounding UK adolescent girls’ self-images on Instagram
Paddock, D. L., Bell, B. T., & Cassarly, J. A. (2024) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101839 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
They are more beautiful than me! How social media use increases women’s body-related envy and cosmetic surgery consideration
Li, M., Li, X., Yang, F., & Zhang, T. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1628208 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“First, compared to negative social media use, positive social media use implies that users often publish their own work on social media platforms, which can receive compliments and positive comments from other users (Arroyo and Brunner, 2016).”
Sharing Workout Experiences on Social Networking Sites: Its Moderating Factors and Well-Being Outcomes
Liu, Y., & Kashian, N. (2020) · Health Communication · doi:10.1080/10410236.2020.1750774 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Prior research that investigated SNSs and social comparison as a psychological state found that individuals with higher levels of social comparison experienced negative outcomes after being exposed to their friends’ fitness-related posts on SNSs (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
BackgroundMethod
The relationship between social networking site body talk and college students' physical Activity: The role of upward appearance comparisons and self-compassion
Li, X., Chen, C., & Sun, J. (2025) · SSM - Population Health · doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101850 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“This perception may in turn trigger a motivation to enhance physical attractiveness, prompting behaviors such as increasing physical activity to narrow the gap with their reference group (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
Your fitness-sharing is a reminder for my poor body: how fitness posts exposure on social media harms female body esteem
Yan, X., Yan, J., Tan, C., Fu, Y., & Wang, S. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515575 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Fat talk is predicted by body dissatisfaction and social comparison with no interaction effect: Evidence from two replication studies
Pollet, T. V., Dawson, S., Tovée, M. J., Cornelissen, P. L., & Cornelissen, K. K. (2021) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.05.005 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Attractive appearance, future wealth! How exposure to visual wealth on social media contributes to female self-objectification
Luo, M., & Yang, F. Y. (2024) · Environment and Social Psychology · doi:10.59429/esp.v9i7.2868 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“[53] , the Body Surveillance subscale of the Objectified Body Consciousness scale developed by McKinley and Hyde was applied to assess the self-objectification of women [16] .”
Method
Hubungan antara Citra Tubuh dengan Kecemasan Sosial pada Remaja Perempuan Pengguna Instagram dan Twitter
Ramdhany, L. A., & Hakim, M. A. (2024) · Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi Candrajiwa · doi:10.20961/jip.v9i1.77381 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Self-objectification of bodies in social networking sites: Mental and behavioral health problems of young female adults
You, S., & Kwon, M. (2024) · Health Care For Women International · doi:10.1080/07399332.2024.2392530 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Researchers who study social media have examined the mediating role of either body surveillance or body shame in the relationship between social networking site (SNS) use and adverse effects (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016; Yao et al., 2021).”
The Relationship Between Fitness Posts Exposure on Social Media and Female Appearance Self-Esteem: A Perspective of Sexual Objectification
Yang, F. Y., Yang, H., Fan, X., & Liu, Z. (2023) · American Journal of Applied Psychology · doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20231202.11 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Redefiniendo la Belleza: Efecto de las Influencers de TikTok en la Autoestima y la Satisfacción Corporal de las mujeres Jóvenes
Arenas, D. P. V., & Rodríguez‐de‐Dios, I. (2024) · Zer - Revista de Estudios de Comunicación · doi:10.1387/zer.26781 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The code of sustainable success in fitness apps: social comparison mechanism enabled by user facilitated supports
Wu, K., Qi, L., & Liu, Y. (2025) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1632598 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The Bidirectional Relationships Between Negative Body Image, Internalizing Problems and Social Withdrawal in Primary School Students: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model
Dai, Q., Liang, Y., Ye, B., & Yang, Q. (2025) · Child and Youth Care Forum · doi:10.1007/s10566-025-09895-z · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Critically, however, existing relative research either focuses narrowly on adults or limits social interaction within social networking sites (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016).”
Appearance comparison as a mediator between perceived parental body talk, sociocultural attitudes, and young adults' body dissatisfaction
Gürsoy, E. G., & Tuna, E. (2025) · Klinik Psikoloji Dergisi · doi:10.57127/kpd.26024438.1668209 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Technology, Body Image, and Disordered Eating
Šmahel, D., Macháčková, H., Šmahelová, M., Čevelíček, M., Almenara, C. A., & Holubčíková, J. (2018) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-93221-7_4 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Exposure to Income Inequality on Social Media and Female Self-Objectification: The Mediating Role of Perceived Competitiveness
Feng, Y., Zhang, H., Lin, Z., Zhang, T., & Liu, X. (2023) · American Journal of Applied Psychology · doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20231206.11 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Fat talk in online discourse. A comparison of pro-anorexia and body positivity on social media
van Tour, M. (2018) · KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
Body Image in the Digital Age
Taylor, C. S., Paddock, D. L., & Bell, B. T. (2019) · Developmental Psychology Forum · doi:10.53841/bpsdev.2019.1.90.6
THE EFFECT OF MOTHER-DAUGHTER CONNECTEDNESS AND SOCIAL COMPARISON MOTIVATION ON CO-SHOPPING AND CO-CONSUMPTION: A RESEARCH ON ADULT DAUGHTERS
Kılıçer, T., & ÇELİK, E. P. (2024) · Pazarlama ve Pazarlama Araştırmaları Dergisi · doi:10.15659/ppad.17.1.1328092
Conspicuous Fitness
Daudi, A. (2024) · doi:10.24834/isbn.9789178774890
ADOLESCENTS’ EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO A SUICIDE ATTEMPT SHARED ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSIGHTS FROM COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE
(2025) · Education and New Developments 2022 – Volume I · doi:10.36315/2025v2end050
The relationships among Instagram use, self-esteem, and symptoms of depression in Albanian youth
Hysi, F., Dervishi, E., Lame, E., & Sauku, V. H. (2025) · Multidisciplinary Science Journal · doi:10.31893/multiscience.2026100 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Body talk and the internalization of the ideal body image: examination based on the tripartite influence model
Ito, N., Hasegawa, A., Adachi, M., Oura, S.-I., Yamamoto, T., Matsuda, Y., & Tomita, T. (2025) · Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1186/s40337-025-01444-2 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“…internalization of athletes’ bodies for women, 3 Previous studies have demonstrated that the frequency of exposure to fashion magazines, health and fitness magazines, and posts featuring friends’ fitness-related photos and messages was positively associated with negative fat talk [40, 41].”
Barriers to eating disorder management and recovery: an exploration of challenging communication interactions through Reddit discourse
Lazenby, B. S., & Donovan, E. E. (2026) · Journal of applied communications research · doi:10.1080/00909882.2026.2635082
“Scholars have previously identified communicative risks related to body disturbance and thin idealization, such as caregiver communication about food (Orrego Dunleavy & Malova, 2019), fat talk (Arroyo & Harwood, 2012), and media influence (Arroyo & Brunner, 2016; Harrison et al., 2006).”
Associations between Instagram addiction and food cravings in adult individuals: Mediating role of body self-compassion
Gökçen, G., Baltacı, U. B., & Traş, Z. (2026) · Klinik Psikoloji Dergisi · doi:10.57127/kpd.26024438.1814989
Ergenlerde Sosyal Görünüş Kaygısı ve Akademik Öz Yeterliğin Sosyal Medya Bağımlılığını Yordama Düzeyi
Sonkur, A., & Kaygas, Y. (2026) · Batı anadolu eğitim bilimleri dergisi · doi:10.51460/baebd.1628209
Exploring Young People's Social Media Engagement and Digital Resilience
Turhan, Z., & Arslan, S. (2026) · Toplum ve sosyal hizmet(Online)/Toplum ve sosyal hizmet · doi:10.33417/tsh.1817205
Online vs. in-person body talk: The effects of gender, context, and body talk type on frequency and body satisfaction
Lin, L., Flynn, M. A., & DelTorchio, K. (2026) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102170
The mediating role of smartphone addiction in the relationship between desire for being liked and psychological resilience
Mallı, A. Y., Işık, Ö., ŞAHİNLER, Y., Talaghir, L.-G., Cristea, F., & Liușnea, Ș. C. (2026) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1922313

Body Talk on Social Networking Sites, Body Surveillance, and Body Shame among Young Adults: The Roles of Self-Compassion and Gender
Wang, Y., Wang, X., Yang, J., Zeng, P., & Lei, L. (2019) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-019-01084-2 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Your fitness-sharing is a reminder for my poor body: how fitness posts exposure on social media harms female body esteem
Yan, X., Yan, J., Tan, C., Fu, Y., & Wang, S. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515575 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Body talk on social network sites and body dissatisfaction among college students: The mediating roles of appearance ideals internalization and appearance comparison
Wang, Y., Geng, J., Ma, K. D., Chu, X., & Lei, L. (2022) · Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace · doi:10.5817/cp2022-3-2 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Body talk on social networking sites and restrained eating among adolescents: A test of a multiple mediation model
Wang, Y., Wang, J., Geng, J., Wang, H., & Lei, L. (2023) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.03.002 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Does Accessed Content Matter? Social Media and Body (Dis)satisfaction: A Moderation Analysis
Akerman, L. P. F., & Borsa, J. C. (2022) · Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto) · doi:10.1590/1982-4327e3229 · Cited by 1 · see citing works

Authors: Arroyo, A., & Brunner, S. R.
Affiliations: University of Georgia (US)
University of Arizona (US)
Corresponding author: Arroyo, Analisa
ORCID: Arroyo, Analisa
Brunner, Steven R.
Venue: Journal of Applied Communication Research
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2016-06-13
Volume: 44
Issue: 3
Pages: 216-235
ISSN: 0090-9882 (ISSN-L)
1479-5752
DOI: 10.1080/00909882.2016.1192293
OpenAlex: W2430531995
Cited by: 67
References: 78
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2
FWCI: 6.25
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Applied Communication Research (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Keywords: social networking sites, body surveillance, social comparison, body image, sociocultural factors, young adults, body satisfaction

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Negative body talk as an outcome of friends’ fitness posts on social networking sites: body surveillance and social comparison as potential moderators

Abstract

Integrity signals

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Cites

Cited by

Related

Record

About these checks