Snapchat Lenses and Body Image Concerns

Burnell, Kaitlyn; Kurup, Allycen R; Underwood, Marion K

doi:10.1177/1461444821993038

Cited by 43Body Image and Dysmorphia StudiesEating Disorders and BehaviorsImpact of Technology on Adolescents

Snapchat Lenses and Body Image Concerns

Burnell, Kaitlyn, Kurup, Allycen R, Underwood, Marion K·2022·New Media & Society

DOI 10.1177/1461444821993038

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Abstract

Snapchat allows users to apply lenses to photographic content, with these lenses often enhancing physical appearance. This may lead users to adopt unrealistic ideals of physical appearance. In a two-part study with college students, this investigation explored associations between general use of Snapchat lenses and body image concerns, and experimentally examined how taking selfies with Snapchat lenses influences appearance satisfaction. Taking more photos using Snapchat lenses, in general, was associated with greater body image concerns. However, there was little experimental evidence indicating that taking selfies with lenses influences state appearance satisfaction relative to an appearance-neutral control. There was no evidence of gender moderation. Notably, taking more selfies without lenses until reaching one satisfactory for posting on social media was associated with greater body image concerns.

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“These cultural norms and gender expectations act as lenses through which body image is interpreted, often dictating the standards against which individuals measure their own bodies [159].”
From Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors (2024) · cites this paper as [159]

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Authors: Burnell, K., Kurup, A. R., & Underwood, M. K.
Affiliations: Duke University (US)
Purdue University West Lafayette (US)
Corresponding author: Burnell, Kaitlyn
ORCID: Burnell, Kaitlyn
Kurup, Allycen R
Underwood, Marion K
Venue: New Media & Society
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2021-02-15
Volume: 24
Issue: 9
Pages: 2088-2106
ISSN: 1461-4448 (ISSN-L)
1461-7315
DOI: 10.1177/1461444821993038
OpenAlex: W3133364543
Cited by: 43
References: 46
Citations by year: 2026: 7 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 1
FWCI: 4.09
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: New Media & Society (publishedVersion)
Funders: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01 HD060995)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Keywords: body image concern, appearance satisfaction, selfies, social media, university students, gender differences, appearance ideals, self-presentation

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Snapchat Lenses and Body Image Concerns

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