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Cited by 7Body Image and Dysmorphia StudiesGender, Feminism, and MediaEating Disorders and Behaviors

How False Social Media Beauty Standards Lead To Body Dysmorphia

Open access
Hafeez, Erum, Zulfiqar, Fatima·2023·Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
DOI 10.52131/pjhss.2023.1103.0623
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Abstract

Social media apps, owing to their technological advancements and applications of photo editing tools, have digitalized the female body and in doing so have led to the creation of unrealistic beauty ideals. Social media along with cultural factors created a socio-digital construct in which an attractive and successful woman embodies European features. Repeated exposure to this kind of imagery has made women feel uncomfortable in their bodies. Objectification of young women to such an extent has created an environment where an increasing number of women are suffering from body image issues, such as body dysmorphic disorder. A mental health condition, whereby people utilize most of their time worrying about perceived flaws in their appearance. The excess of this disorder can lead to poor self-esteem, self-harm, depression, and even suicide. It is most common in teens and young adults. This study investigates the patterns of toxic social media trends, how they are being integrated into society and why young women are falling prey to them. The research methodology comprised of a mixed-method approach. It was conducted in two stages: the first half consisted of a Google survey which was shared online with Facebook Female-centric groups besides Instagram and WhatsApp.In the second stage, in-depth interviews of eight women, belonging to different backgrounds offitness trainer, psychologist, feminist writer, model, nutritionist, and three students from the age groups of 18, 21, and 24 were sampled. The reason for opting mixed method was to strengthen the study and enhance its authenticity through in-depth interview analysis.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This mixed-method study examines how social media beauty standards and influencer culture may contribute to body image issues and body dysmorphia among young women in Karachi, Pakistan. It combines a survey with in-depth interviews and concludes that social media beauty standards can trigger body image disturbance under certain conditions, while photo-enhancing tools are strongly linked to body anxiety.

Key findings

  • Survey respondents reported high social media use: 100% used social media frequently; 50.4% used it 3–4 hours, 26.5% 5–7 hours, 12.4% more than 8 hours, and 10.6% 1–2 hours.
  • 91.1% believed social media celebrities promoted unattainable body image, and 36.5% strongly agreed plus 34.5% agreed that celebrities promoted unhealthy ways of attaining beauty.
  • 96.3% used filters on pictures, 12% admitted airbrushing skin, 9.3% used tools to slim their face, and 4.7% photoshopped body parts; 48.2% sometimes altered their images.
  • Hypothesis testing found H1 partly true under certain circumstances, H2 true, H3 contradictory between qualitative and survey data, and H4 true: photo-enhancing tools were heavily backed by interviews and survey data as leading to body anxiety.

Methods

  • Mixed-method exploratory sequential design with two stages: a Google survey shared online with Facebook female-centric groups, Instagram, and WhatsApp, containing 25 questions; and in-depth interviews with eight women.
  • The survey sample was described as 100 respondents aged 15–28 in Karachi, using random sampling; the findings section later reports a survey of 113 women. Interviewees included a fitness trainer, psychologist, feminist writer, model, nutritionist, and three students aged 18, 21, and 24; interviews lasted 11 to 40 minutes.
  • Variables were social media beauty standards as the independent variable and body dysmorphia as the dependent variable; analysis combined survey percentages with thematic interview analysis.

Limitations

  • The paper states that some women refused interviews despite anonymity; women older than 27 participated despite age instructions, slightly tilting results; and the sample size should have been extended to 300 for more representative results.
  • The paper recommends future surveys larger than 300 and inclusion of women from education, medicine, and acting, plus social media influencers and bloggers.
  • The text makes evident a sample-size discrepancy: the methodology reports 100 survey respondents, while the findings report 113 women surveyed.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.52131/pjhss.2023.1103.0623

Cites

12 of 12 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

8 of 26 cited sources checked · 4 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Women internalized the thin ideal after being exposed to social media sites.

    “Women also internalized the thin ideal after being exposed to social media sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bauer, 2020 source

      The Internalization of Body Ideals results (page unavailable) report higher internalization scores among participants who spent more time on social media, and the study measured internalization after exposure to images. But this association does not show that exposure caused women to internalize the thin ideal; internalization did not differ significantly between the Instagram-influencer group and either comparison group. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Social media bloggers and influencers were found to be more relatable to women under study than traditional models.

    “Social media bloggers and influencers were found to be more relatable to women understudy than traditional models.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bauer, 2020 source

      The introduction (page unavailable) describes influencers as more relatable than traditional models, and the Appearance Comparison results report that participants compared themselves with influencers more often than with magazine models. But the study did not establish that its participants found influencers more relatable: its Experimental Condition results found no significant difference in perceived appearance attainability between the influencer and magazine-model groups. The claim presents the introductory idea as a finding about the women studied. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Social media worked as a catalyst that triggered women to have concerns regarding their appearances.

    “Social media worked as a catalyst that triggered women to have concerns regarding their appearances.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ahmed, 2019
  • Premisecitation

    Women suffering from low self-esteem after spending hours on social media sites reported having a greater desire to look like influencers.

    “The study found that women, suffering from low self-esteem after spending hours on social media sites, reported having a greater desire to look like influencers.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bauer, 2020 source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) reports that participants with lower self-esteem had a greater desire to look like the women depicted in the study images. It does not establish that spending hours on social media caused their low self-esteem, and the images included peers and models as well as influencers. (LLM, conf=0.89)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    The majority of respondents preferred filters over original skin.

    “The data was found to indicate that majority of respondents preferred filters over original skin.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 61
  • May combine two claims. 48

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social media users accounted for 72% of the world's population and the number was expected to rise annually.

    “According to him, social media users accounted for 72% of the world's population and the number was expected to rise annually.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zhang et al., 2021 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Zhang et al. (2021) conducted research examining the link of social media usage to disordered eating behaviors.

    “Zhang, Wang, Li, and Wu (2021) conducted research examining the link of social media usage to disordered eating behaviors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zhang et al., 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Females' tendency to compare with celebrities and online friends had a closer relationship with body-image dissatisfaction, which led to a stronger drive for the ideal body type among females.

    “It was found that females' tendency to compare with celebrities and online friends had a closer relationship with body-image dissatisfaction which led to a stronger drive for the ideal body type among females.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zhang et al., 2021 source

      The Introduction’s “Potential Moderators—Sex” section reports that females’ comparisons with SNS friends and celebrities were more closely related to both body-image dissatisfaction and the drive for slimness than males’ comparisons were (page not specified). It does not say that dissatisfaction led to the stronger drive; the cited finding describes associations, not that causal sequence. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The industry as a whole thrives and flourishes at the cost of women's insecurity.

    “The industry, as a whole thrives and flourishes at the cost of women's insecurity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Coy-Dibley, 2016 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 96.3% used filters on their pictures, 12% admitted to airbrushing their skin, 9.3% used enhancing tools to slim down their face, and 4.7% admitted to photo-shopping parts of their bodies.

    “Figure 8 shows that around 96.3% of respondents used filters on their pictures, and about 12 % admitted to airbrushing their skin for pictures.Approximately 9.3% used enhancing tools on apps to slim down their face while 4.7% admitted to photo-shopping parts of their bodies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 29.2% remained neutral when asked if they compared their appearances to other people on social media, 28.3% agreed, 16.8% disagreed, 15% strongly disagreed, and 10.6% strongly agreed.

    “Majority of the respondent's, i.e. 29.2 % remained neutral when asked if they compared their appearances to other people on social media.Around 28.3 % of respondents agreed that they did compare their appearances.Another 16.8 % of respondents disagreed and 15% strongly disagreed.While 10.6 % of respondents strongly agreed that they made comparisons on social media.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, students were the majority at 58.6%, followed by 26.1% working women, 8.1% unemployed, and 7.2% entrepreneurs.

    “Student's i.e. 58.6% were the majority followed by 26.1% of working woman, while 8.1 % of respondents were unemployed and the remaining 7.2% were entrepreneurs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 91.1% believed that social media celebrities did promote unattainable body image on social media, while 8.9% disagreed.

    “In figure 10, a big majority of the respondent's i.e. 91.1 % believed that social media celebrities did promote unattainable body image on social media while 8.9% of respondents disagreed with the notion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    Social media celebrities across the globe have played a key role in ingraining unrealistic beauty standards in women.

    “Theme 2: Social media celebrities across the globe have played a key role in ingraining unrealistic beauty standards in women.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    The fitness trainer thought that a movement molded around the American one would not be good for Pakistan as it could not draw a line between body positivity and obesity.

    “Likewise, the fitness trainer thought that a movement molded around the American one would not be good for Pakistan as it could not draw a line between body positivity and obesity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The psychologist thought that parents who compared their children or made fun of them drove their children into self-doubt and led them to develop an unhealthy relationship with their bodies as adults later in life.

    “The psychologist thought that parents, who compared their children or made fun of them, drove their children into self-doubt and led them to develop an unhealthy relationship with their bodies as adults later in life.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The fitness trainer observed that women are shamed for their bodies if they are too big or too thin than the standard Pakistani criteria.

    “The fitness trainer observed that women are shamed for their bodies if they are too big or too thin than the standard Pakistani criteria.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Fair skin and petite frame were always believed to be traits of successful women.

    “Fair skin and petite frame were always believed to be traits of successful women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The psychologist believed that those beauty ideals are in trend which is seen as desirable by the opposite gender.

    “The psychologist also believed that those beauty ideals are in trend which is seen as desirable by the opposite gender.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The 24-year-old student was of the opinion that a body positivity movement could not work in Pakistan as the people there lacked awareness and held to their decade-long beliefs very religiously.

    “However, the 24-year-old student was of the opinion that a body positivity movement could not work in Pakistan as the people here lacked awareness and held to their decade-long beliefs very religiously.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    An overwhelming majority of respondents believed that social media celebrities usually act irresponsibly and use their platforms to promote unattainable beauty standards.

    “The data clearly indicated that an overwhelming majority of respondents believed that social media celebrities usually act irresponsibly and use their platforms to promote unattainable beauty standards.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    All the students and the feminist writer believed that the people in Pakistan still had a colonial mindset.

    “All the students and the feminist writer believed that the people in Pakistan still had a colonial mindset.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 48.2% sometimes altered their images, 27.7% did not, 12.5% did not alter their photos, and 11.6% admitted doing it in the past.

    “Figure 7 shows that approximately 48.2% of the respondents admitted that they sometimes altered their images followed by 27.7% of respondents who did not.Only 12.5 % of respondents didn't alter their photos while 11.6 % of respondents admitted doing it in the past.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 81.3% of respondents were single, while 18.8% were married.

    “In figure 2, majority of the respondents i.e. 81.3% were single, while the remaining 18.8% were married.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    All 100% of respondents used social media frequently.

    “In Figure 5, it is evident that all 100% respondents used social media frequently.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 47.3% of respondents belonged to the age group 23 to 26, 27.7% to 19 to 22 years, 16.8% were older than 27, and 8.9% were between 15 and 18.

    “In figure 1, majority of the respondents i.e. 47.3 % belonged to the age groups of 23 to 26, followed by the second highest number i.e. 27.7 % belonging to 19 to 22 years and 16.8 % percent of the respondents were older than 27 while 8.9 % were young teens falling between 15 and 18.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The model observed that people would smoke weed in order to lose weight in her industry.

    “The model observed that people would smoke weed in order to lose weight in her industry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Age played a significant role in determining how deep the impact of social media beauty standards and influencers had on the women surveyed.

    “It was observed that age played a significant role in determining how deep the impact of social media beauty standards and influencers had on these women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The nutritionist believed that influencers had ingrained this concept and that it wasn't just in Pakistan but across the globe.

    “The nutritionist believed that influencers had ingrained this concept and that it wasn't just in Pakistan but across the globe.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    In her career, the nutritionist had seen women being more influenced by social media influencers (primarily Pakistani lifestyle bloggers) than by actresses that appeared on TV.

    “In her career, as a nutritionist she had seen women being more influenced by social media influencers (primarily Pakistani lifestyle bloggers) than by actresses that appeared on TV.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The majority believed that an ideological movement modeled around the American body positivity movement could produce great results and tackle growing body dysmorphia.

    “The majority believed that an ideological movement modeled around the likes of the American body positivity movement could produce great results and tackle growing body dysmorphia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The psychologist believed that women who were scrutinized based on their appearance developed low self-esteem, which also made them uninterested in marriage.

    “She also heavily criticized the rishta culture and believed that women who were scrutinized based on their appearance developed low selfesteem, which also made them uninterested in marriage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    All interviewers believed that there should be a movement in Pakistan that promotes body positivity and self-love.

    “All the interviewers believed that there should be a movement in Pakistan that promotes body positivity and self-love.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The psychologist had seen countless examples of women taking drastic measures to attain beauty standards.

    “The psychologist had seen countless examples of women taking drastic measures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In a Pakistani construct, having a petite frame meant that a woman is a good candidate for motherhood and can please her husband.

    “In a Pakistani construct, having a petite frame meant that you are a good candidate for motherhood and you can please your husband.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 50.4% of respondents used social media for 3-4 hours, 26.5% for 5-7 hours, 12.4% for more than 8 hours, and 10.6% for 1-2 hours.

    “Figure 6 shows that around 50.4 % of respondents were on social media apps for 3-4 hours, 26.5 % used social media for 5-7 hours, 12.4 % of respondents consumed social media for more than 8 hours, and a small portion, i.e. 10.6 % consumed social media for 1-2 hours.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both the 19 and 21-year-old students were not satisfied with their bodies.

    “Both the 19 and 21-year-old students were not satisfied with their bodies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the survey, 68.8% felt that their social media portrayed a realistic representation of themselves, while 31.3% felt otherwise.

    “Figure 9 shows that around 68.8 % of respondents felt that their social media portrayed a realistic representation of themselves, while the other 31.3% felt otherwise.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The majority of interviewers believed that social media celebrities strengthened a culture that already prioritized beauty standards.

    “The majority of the interviewers believed that social media celebrities strengthened a culture that already prioritized beauty standards.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    All interviewers strongly believed that beauty filters distorted the reality of one's face.

    “All the interviewers strongly believed that beauty filters distorted the reality of one's face.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Women edited and manipulated their selfies to present a socially acceptable image of their bodies; individuals who frequently self-edited their pictures expressed facial dissatisfaction when exposed to photoshopped images of other women.

    “Likewise, Thomas (2021) further explained that women edited and manipulated their selfies to present a socially acceptable image of their bodies to the world; individuals who frequently self-edited their pictures expressed facial dissatisfaction when exposed to photoshopped images of other women.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Thomas, 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Kardashians have undergone multiple surgical and cosmetic procedures to attain their looks and constantly edit their pictures to make people buy their skin-wear and makeup products.

    “The truth entails that they have gone through multiple surgical and cosmetic procedures to attain their looks and constantly edit their pictures to make people buy their skin-wear and makeup products (Kato, 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kato, 2022

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisereasoning

    Pakistani influencers consisting of celebrities and bloggers have capitalized on the insecurities of women regarding their bodies.

    “These influencers consisting of celebrities and bloggers have capitalized on the insecurities of women regarding their bodies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Pakistani influencers came up with makeup brands promising certain skin while in reality the brands consisted of alarming chemicals and were not good for all skin types.

    “The influencers also came up with their own makeup brands, promising the public that using them would get a certain kind of skin while in reality the brands consisted of alarming chemicals and were not good for all skin types.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer C kept promoting the diet on TV besides online media.

    “Influencer C kept on promoting the diet on TV besides online media.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Influencer B said that husbands who taunt their wives regarding their weight are absolutely right and that is how one loses weight.

    “Going so as far as to say that husbands who taunt their wives regarding their weight are absolutely right and that is how one loses weight.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    As social media platforms underwent technological advancements, apps developed built-in features that could digitally alter the overall appearance of an individual.

    “As social media platforms underwent technological advancements, the apps developed built-in features that could digitally alter the overall appearance of an individual.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer B body-shamed a Bollywood actress for gaining weight after pregnancy.

    “She has also body-shamed a Bollywood actress for gaining weight after pregnancy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The mixed-method approach strengthens the study and enhances its authenticity through in-depth interview analysis.

    “The reason for opting mixed method was to strengthen the study and enhance its authenticity through in-depth interview analysis.”
    • Also stated in: § 4.1. Hypotheses · plain
      “The reason for opting mixed method was to strengthen the study and enhance its authenticity through in-depth interview analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer C's diet consisted of consuming only egg whites, vegetable juices, and tea.

    “The diet consisted of consuming only egg whites, vegetable juices, and tea.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Influencer C's diet started trending and a lot of young girls tried it.

    “Having many young followers on her Instagram account, the diet started trending and a lot of young girls tried it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    Influencer C's diet was extremely restrictive.

    “The diet was extremely restrictive.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The ideal beauty standard has led women to become uncomfortable with their bodies and has led to rising cases of body dysmorphia.

    “Unfortunately, this ideal beauty standard has led women to become uncomfortable with their bodies thus has led to rising cases of body dysmorphia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer B, with a following of 6.9 million, was heavily criticized for photo-shopping various parts of her body and appearing to have an unrealistically thin waist.

    “Another influencer, who is also a TV actress, Influencer B (names of the influencers have been kept anonymous due to confidentiality issues) with a following of 6.9 million was heavily criticized for photo-shopping various parts of her body and appearing to have an unrealistically thin waist.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer C's fad diet made her instantly lose eight kilograms in the first week.

    “The fad diet made her instantly lose eight kilograms in just the first week.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Kardashians have used cultural appropriation, which has had a detrimental effect on black women.

    “The family has also used cultural appropriation which has had a detrimental effect on black women (Stevens, 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Stevens, 2021 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Such fad diets lead people to develop a dysfunctional relationship with food, especially carbs.

    “Such kinds of fad diets lead people to develop a dysfunctional relationship with food, especially carbs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Pakistani influencers in collaboration with big brands have integrated the need for fair skin and a thin body.

    “In collaboration with big brands, they have integrated the need for a fair skin and a thin body.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Social media along with cultural factors created a sociodigital construct in which an attractive and successful woman embodies European features.

    “Social media along with cultural factors created a sociodigital construct in which an attractive and successful woman embodies European features.”
    • Also stated in: § 1. Introduction · plain
      “Social media along with traditional cultural factors created a socio-digital construct in which the ideal attractive woman embodies European features consisting of fox eyes, big lips, a petite frame with curves, fair skin, and lush straight hair.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer A instructed teen girls to get a white complexion by combining an alarming proportion of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to bleach their skin.

    “An Instagram influencer (Influencer A) instructed teen girls to get a white complexion by combining an alarming proportion of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to bleach their skin.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Social media apps' technological advancements and photo editing tools have digitalized the female body and led to the creation of unrealistic beauty ideals.

    “Social media apps, owing to their technological advancements and applications of photo editing tools, have digitalized the female body and in doing so have led to the creation of unrealistic beauty ideals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The Kardashians have promoted misinformation regarding diet culture, which has led many teens to make problematic choices.

    “The Kardashians have also promoted misinformation regarding diet culture, which has led to many teens making problematic choices.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Social media influencers established as microcelebrities with a large following have perpetuated a culture of intense body image dissatisfaction along with pre-existing social traditions.

    “Social media influencers who are established as microcelebrities with a large following have perpetuated a culture of intense body image dissatisfaction along with pre-existing social traditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Influencer C advocated an extreme crash diet that made her lose 17 kg.

    “Another Pakistani actress and influencer (influencer C) advocated for an extreme crash diet that made her lose 17kgs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Women older than 27 participated in the survey despite age instructions, slightly tilting the results.

    “Secondly, despite clear instructions about the age groups, when the survey was uploaded on social media, women older than 27 also participated which slightly tilted the results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Women above 27 are relatively mature and less affected by social media beauty trends as compared to younger women.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Women who objectify themselves regularly have been reported to have lower body esteem, anxiety issues, disordered eating, higher levels of body shame, symptoms of depression, and decreased cognitive performance.

    “Women, who objectify themselves regularly, have been reported to have lower body esteem, anxiety issues, disordered eating, higher levels of body shame, symptoms of depression, and decreased cognitive performance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Expert opinion was taken from a nutritionist, psychologist, and fitness trainer, which added value to the research.

    “Expert opinion was taken from the likes of a nutritionist, psychologist, and fitness trainer, which added value to the research.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Women since birth are conditioned to be perfect wives and good mothers.

    “Women since birth are conditioned to be perfect wives and good mothers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The study explains the urge women feel to fit into a certain type of beauty ideal, which takes a toll on their physical and mental health.

    “It explains the urge women feel to fit into a certain type of beauty ideal, which takes a toll on their physical and mental health.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Women are twice as likely to succumb to depression than men.

    “Women are twice as more likely to succumb to depression than men.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Calogero, 2012 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Around 72% of millennials choose beauty products based on Instagram posts, out of which the majority are cosmetic-related.

    “Around 72 % of millennials choose beauty products based on Instagram posts, out of which the majority of the products are cosmetic-related.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Henriques and Patnaik, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Men in Pakistan put pressure on their parents to look for women with fair skin and slim figures, leading to a cycle that never ends.

    “They are the ones who put pressure on their parents leading to a cycle that never ends.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationown data

    This study provides insight into understanding how and why women develop body image dissatisfaction.

    “This study has been able to provide an insight into understanding how and why women develop body image dissatisfaction.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    A number of women did not want to give interviews even after knowing that their anonymity would be respected.

    “Firstly, a number of women did not want to give interviews even after knowing that their anonymity would be respected.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A cross-sectional study of 180 women at Ziauddin University in Karachi found the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder to be 6.11%, higher than previous studies done in Pakistan.

    “A cross-sectional study of 180 women was conducted at Ziauddin University in Karachi.The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder was found to be 6.11%, which was higher than previous studies done in Pakistan.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ali et al., 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Constant objectification leads to body shaming and deteriorating interpersonal relationships.

    “Constant objectification leads to body shaming and deteriorating interpersonal relationships.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Calogero, 2012 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the preparation of and during the selection process to be perfect wives and mothers, women are left with self-doubt and a poor body image of themselves.

    “In the preparation of this process and during it, women are left with self-doubt and a poor body image of themselves.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis helps in understanding how prevalent the phenomenon is and how it is being integrated into the minds of Pakistani women.

    “The combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis helps in understanding how prevalent this phenomenon is and how it's being integrated into the minds of Pakistani women.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    With the emergence of new social media apps and their easy accessibility, women's insecurities are triggered and, in most cases, capitalized.

    “Further, with the emergence of new social media apps and due to its easy accessibility, their insecurities are triggered and, in most cases, capitalized.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    If the certain criteria are met, then social media beauty standards will trigger body dysmorphia.

    “If this certain criterion is met, then social media beauty standards will trigger body dysmorphia.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Frequent exposure to traditional ideal beauty and body standards influenced body image and led women to frequent boosts of disordered eating.

    “However, frequent exposure to traditional ideal beauty and body standards influenced body image and led women to frequent boosts of disordered eating (Viladrich et al., 2009as cited in Ahmed 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Viladrich et al., 2009 as cited in Ahmed 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Social media beauty standards could trigger body image disturbances only if certain criteria are met, such as having grown up in homes where they were made fun of, being bullied in schools, and possessing a comparison trait.

    “When we analyze the data, we come to the observation that social media beauty standards could trigger body image disturbances only if certain criteria are met.Those women are more likely to be triggered by social media who have grown up in homes where they have been made fun of, bullied in schools, and possess a comparison trait in their personality.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Instagram did not alone glorify thin-idealization; socio-cultural factors and self-internalization also played a key role.

    “The case also noted that Instagram did not alone glorify thin-idealization; rather socio-cultural factors and selfinternalization also played a key role (Sherlock & Wagstaff, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sherlock & Wagstaff, 2019 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    A survey of 113 women followed by an in-depth interview of eight women from relevant fields was conducted.

    “A survey of 113 women followed by an in-depth interview of eight women from relevant fields was conducted.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Colonial mindset, male-dominated society, and parents who upheld regressive attitudes developed a toxic culture in which the female body is constantly scrutinized and objectified against unrealistic beauty standards.

    “Colonial mindset, male-dominated society, and parents who upheld regressive attitudes developed a toxic culture in which the female body is constantly scrutinized and objectified against unrealistic beauty standards.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Time allocated to photo-based activity on Facebook led to body image disturbances, lower self-esteem, and negative thin-ideal internalization.

    “A deeper study indicated that time allocated to photo-based activity on Facebook led the way to body image disturbances, lower self-esteem, and negative thin-ideal internalization.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rydying et al., 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Instagram made users dependent on the validation of others, thereby harming their self-worth.

    “Instagram also made the users dependent on the validation of others, hence harming their self-worth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sherlock & Wagstaff, 2019 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The anonymity of the eight interviewees was completely respected, and the conversations were recorded anonymously through phone calls, each lasting 11 to 40 minutes.

    “The anonymity of the eight interviewers was completely respected, the conversations were recorded anonymously through phone calls, and each comprised for 11 to 40 minutes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The reason more women are suffering from body dysmorphia is that in a patriarchal society like Pakistan, certain structures like rishta culture objectify and scrutinize women.

    “The reason more women are suffering from body dysmorphia is that in a patriarchal society like Pakistan, certain structures like those of rishta culture objectify and scrutinize women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The trend of manipulating pictures and enhancing features is considered problematic, as it leads to young girls wanting to achieve an unrealistic ideal.

    “This trend is considered problematic, as it leads to young girls wanting to achieve an unrealistic ideal (Sullivan, 2014 as cited by Anschutz et al., 2019)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sullivan, 2014 as cited by Anschutz et al., 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Men in Pakistan want their women to be fair and have slim figures but with good proportions.

    “Men in Pakistan want their women to be fair and have slim figures but with good proportions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
86 of 86

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The majority of past studies on body dysmorphia adopted the quantitative method and failed to provide a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the issue.

    “Though in the past significant studies have been carried out on body dysmorphia, yet majority of them adopted the quantitative method which has failed to provide a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the issue in the long run.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The women surveyed and interviewed are representative of female youth or Pakistani women, allowing generalization of the findings.

    “The universe of the study was social media users in Karachi.Further the population entailed female youth of Karachi.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Survey responses and interview accounts accurately reflect participants' experiences and beliefs.

    “The anonymity of the eight interviewers was completely respected, the conversations were recorded anonymously through phone calls, and each comprised for 11 to 40 minutes.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Social media use causes body image issues or body dysmorphic disorder rather than merely being associated with them.

    “In the research social media beauty standards are the independent variable and body dysmorphia is the dependent one.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The selected influencers and cases are representative of broader social media beauty standards.

    “Pakistani influencers have also contributed to dangerous ideals of beauty.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Kardashians' success owes to the capitalization of unattainable beauty ideals.

    “The most popular global influencers-the Kardashians, a multi-billionaire family owes their success to the capitalization of unattainable beauty ideals.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Women above 27 are relatively mature and less affected by social media beauty trends as compared to younger women.

    “It is assumed that women above 27 are relatively mature and less affected by social media beauty trends as compared to younger ones.”
7 of 7

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Survey sample reported as both 100 and 113

    Major

    The methodology gives a survey sample size of 100 respondents, but the findings say 113 women were surveyed.

  • Interviewed student's age changes from 18 to 19

    Minor

    The three student interviewees are listed as ages 18, 21, and 24, but the interview analysis refers to a 19-year-old student.

  • Conflicting percentages for respondents who did not alter photos

    Minor

    The description of Figure 7 assigns two different percentages to respondents who did not alter their photos.

3 of 3

Cites

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Related

Authors
Hafeez, E., & Zulfiqar, F.
Affiliations
Iqra University (PK)
Venue
Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Publisher
International Research Alliance for Sustainable Development
Published
2023-09-21
Volume
11
Issue
3
ISSN
  • 2415-007X (ISSN-L)
  • 2709-801X
DOI
10.52131/pjhss.2023.1103.0623
OpenAlex
W4387860747
Semantic Scholar
f5aa88455bac64dcbd9e0f18f23bab434dea7f0b
Cited by
7
References
12
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 1
FWCI
2.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender, Feminism, and Media
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Keywords
body dysmorphic disorder, image editing, objectification of women, female body image, self-esteem, young women, Instagram, mental health

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.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-29.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-29.

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