Influence of Instagram on Body Image and Self- Esteem among Female Nnamdi Azikwe University Undergraduates

The thrust of this study was to ascertain the influence of social media especially Instagram on body image and self-esteem among Female Nnamdi Azikiwe University undergraduates. This study was designed as quantitative research which necessitated the use of a survey method and sample size of 393 was arrived at through Slovin sampling technique from a total population of 22,117 female students. A stratified sampling method was further used to determine the exact number of female respondents from each department. A structured questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. 346 questionnaires were recovered while the collected data were quantitatively analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics presented in tables. Situated within the context of Social Comparison theory and Cultivation Analysis theory, the study found out that UNIZIK female undergraduates are heavily exposed to social media which causes them to cultivate an illusionary perception of reality based on the most repetitive content on body image. It also found out that female students compare their body image to the body image of female celebrities portrayed on social media. This comparison has led to a decrease in the self- esteem of female students. The study recommends that there should be a social media literacy campaign on positivity of body image and self esteem among people especially young females. It also recommends that an awareness program where students would be guided about self esteem, self- recognition and self-confidence, should be created.