Joe Campbell, Content Team academic

Since the inception of social media, such as YouTube and Instagram, it has become increasingly easier to access quality information on how to exercise and train. This is the positive side of social media and allows people who are new to exercising to learn proper form. The negative side however is that social media algorithms actively promotes exaggerated and unattainable standards of what a ‘good’ body ought to be.

In the digital age, social media platforms have become integral to daily life, influencing various aspects of human behaviour, including exercise habits and body image perceptions. While these platforms can serve as sources of motivation and community, they also contribute to heightened body image anxiety and altered exercise behaviours. This article explores the dual role of social media in shaping exercise and body image, examining both its positive and negative impacts, supported by academic research and psychological theories.

Social Media as a Source of Exercise Motivation

Social media platforms are rich with content that promotes physical activity, from fitness influencers showcasing workout routines to communities sharing personal fitness journeys. This “fitspiration” content often emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, healthy eating, and achieving a toned physique. For many individuals, exposure to such content can serve as a motivational tool, encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles and engage in regular physical activity.

Research indicates that individuals who follow fitness-related content on social media are more likely to engage in exercise and adopt healthier eating habits. For instance, a study by Cohen et al. (2017) found that women who followed health and fitness accounts on Instagram reported higher levels of physical activity and healthier eating behaviours compared to those who did not. Similarly, Turner and Lefevre (2017) observed that exposure to fitness-related content could positively influence exercise habits, particularly when the content was perceived as authentic and relatable.

The Dark Side: Body Image Anxiety and Social Comparison

Despite the potential benefits, the pervasive nature of idealized images on social media can lead to detrimental effects on body image and mental health. Platforms often showcase curated images that highlight toned bodies and flawless appearances, setting unrealistic standards that many individuals feel pressured to meet. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among adolescents and young adults, who are more susceptible to external influences and social comparison.

Social comparison theory posits that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others, often leading to negative self-evaluations when comparing themselves to idealized images (Festinger, 1954). On social media, this upward social comparison—comparing oneself to others perceived as better off—can result in feelings of inadequacy and body dissatisfaction.

A study by Tiggemann and Slater (2015) found that exposure to idealized images on social media was associated with increased body dissatisfaction and a drive for thinness among adolescent girls. Similarly, a systematic review by Fardouly et al. (2015) highlighted that both men and women who frequently engaged in social comparison on social media reported lower body satisfaction and higher levels of body image anxiety.

Muscle Dysmorphia: The Male Counterpart to Body Image Anxiety

While much of the discourse around body image anxiety focuses on women, men are also significantly affected, particularly concerning muscle mass and leanness. Muscle dysmorphia, often referred to as “bigorexia,” is a condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with developing muscularity and leanness, leading to compulsive exercise and dietary behaviours.

Social media exacerbates this condition by promoting images of muscular men and emphasizing the importance of achieving a muscular physique. A study by Griffiths et al. (2016) found that exposure to muscular ideal images on social media was linked to increased muscle dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours among men. The constant exposure to such content can reinforce the belief that one’s body is insufficiently muscular, leading to unhealthy behaviours like excessive exercise and the use of performance-enhancing substances.

The Role of Filters and Edited Images

Another concerning aspect of social media is the widespread use of photo-editing tools and filters that alter physical appearance. These tools allow users to modify their images, creating idealized versions of themselves that may not reflect reality. The constant exposure to such edited images can distort perceptions of normal body standards and contribute to body image anxiety.

Research by McLean et al. (2015) found that adolescents who frequently used photo-editing tools reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem. The study suggests that the ability to alter one’s appearance digitally may lead to a disconnect between one’s real and ideal self, exacerbating body image concerns.

Fitspiration vs. Thinspiration: A Fine Line

The emergence of fitspiration content, which promotes fitness and healthy living, has been seen as a positive shift from the previously dominant thinspiration culture that glorified extreme thinness and unhealthy weight control behaviours. However, the line between fitspiration and thinspiration is often blurred, as many fitspiration images still emphasize low body fat percentages and muscular physiques, which may not be attainable or healthy for everyone.

A study by Tiggemann and Zaccardo (2015) found that exposure to fitspiration images on Instagram led to increased negative mood and body dissatisfaction among women. The study suggests that even content intended to promote healthy living can have adverse effects when it reinforces unrealistic body ideals.

The Impact of Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased reliance on social media as individuals sought ways to maintain social connections and stay active during lockdowns. During this period, the consumption of fitness-related content surged, and many individuals turned to social media for workout routines and health advice.

An international study by Gültzow et al. (2022) examined the impact of social media and fitspiration content exposure during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. The study found that greater levels of appearance anxiety were associated with exposure to fitness-related content on social media, particularly among females. The findings highlight the potential negative effects of increased social media use during times of crisis, underscoring the need for balanced engagement with online content.

Strategies for Mitigating Negative Effects

To mitigate the negative impacts of social media on body image and exercise behaviours, several strategies can be employed. First, promoting media literacy can help individuals critically assess the content they encounter online and recognize unrealistic portrayals of bodies. Educating users about the prevalence of photo-editing and the diversity of body types can foster a more inclusive and realistic understanding of physical appearance.

Second, encouraging the consumption of diverse content that showcases a range of body types and fitness levels can help individuals appreciate the value of health and fitness over appearance. Highlighting stories of individuals who have overcome challenges and adopted sustainable health practices can provide relatable role models and inspire positive behaviours.

Third, fostering supportive online communities that prioritize mental health and body positivity can create environments where individuals feel accepted and valued for who they are, rather than how they look. These communities can offer resources, share experiences, and provide encouragement, helping members navigate the pressures of social media.

Conclusion

Social media wields significant influence over exercise habits and body image perceptions, acting as both a source of motivation and a catalyst for anxiety. While it has the potential to inspire positive changes in physical activity and health behaviours, it also poses risks by promoting unrealistic body ideals and fostering negative social comparisons. These dual effects necessitate a more nuanced approach to social media engagement—one that emphasizes critical media consumption, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. Importantly, health and fitness narratives on social media must evolve to prioritize well-being, functionality, and mental health over aesthetic goals. Stakeholders—including educators, parents, influencers, and platform developers—can play a role in reshaping online spaces into supportive environments that encourage authenticity and holistic health. Future research should continue to explore the long-term impacts of social media exposure on various demographic groups, including marginalized populations, and develop interventions that mitigate harm. By fostering a digital culture that values diversity and realistic portrayals, it is possible to reduce body image anxiety and promote sustainable, positive relationships with exercise and health.

References

Cohen, R., Newton-John, T., & Slater, A. (2017). Predictors of women’s body image and disordered eating in response to fitspiration on social media. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50(1), 76–79. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22659

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.002

Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202

Griffiths, S., Murray, S. B., Krug, I., & McLean, S. A. (2016). The contribution of social media to body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and anabolic steroid use among sexual minority men. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19(8), 506–512. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0377

Gültzow, T., Muschalla, B., & Linden, M. (2022). Social media, appearance anxiety and psychological functioning during COVID-19 self-isolation. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03662-0

McLean, S. A., Paxton, S. J., Wertheim, E. H., & Masters, J. (2015). Photoshopping the selfie: Self photo editing and photo investment are associated with body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 48(8), 1132–1140. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22449

Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2015). The role of self-objectification in the mental health of early adolescent girls: Predictors and consequences. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 40(7), 704–711. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsv021

Tiggemann, M., & Zaccardo, M. (2015). “Exercise to be fit, not skinny”: The effect of fitspiration imagery on women’s body image. Body Image, 15, 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.06.003

Turner, P. G., & Lefevre, C. E. (2017). Instagram use is linked to increased symptoms of orthorexia nervosa. Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 22(2), 277–284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-017-0364-2