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Appearance-focused Internet Use and the Thin-beauty Ideal

Author

Listed:
  • Tyne Stanley
  • James Barnes
  • Emma Short

Abstract

Websites featuring appearance-focused content are a medium for constant appearance comparisons, addiction and pressure to meet existing beauty-ideals. This study investigated a sample of 264 males and females who use appearance-focused websites, with a view to determining the relationship with appearance dissatisfaction and self-worth. Data collection involved posting links to online questionnaires on popular social networking sites. Internet appearance exposure was found to correlate with a greater drive for thinness in females, suggesting that exposure to the thin-ideal body images presented online reinforces women¡¯s desire to achieve the cultural expectations of body shape and weight. Furthermore the study highlighted that internet addiction was associated with a drive for thinness and low self-esteem in both males and females, with differences exhibited in regards to body-esteem. These findings emphasise the need for pathological internet use to be incorporated into media literacy programs and to encourage a critical stance toward current beauty standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Tyne Stanley & James Barnes & Emma Short, 2015. "Appearance-focused Internet Use and the Thin-beauty Ideal," Studies in Media and Communication, Redfame publishing, vol. 3(2), pages 38-50, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:rfa:smcjnl:v:3:y:2015:i:2:p:38-50
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    File URL: http://redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/971
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social networking; body image; internet addiction; thin beauty ideal; appearance-focused internet use;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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