Behaviors regarding body image broadly involve editing and posting selfies, as well as scrutinizing one's own selfies, responses to one's selfies, and others' selfies.

Photo-based Social Media Behaviors

A study looked at the possible problems that the pandemic restriction and lockdown might have on eating disorder.  The first concern was the increase to eating disorder psychopathology due to limitation and disruptions in individual’s daily routine and activities. The second concern is that the increased use of social media, which might include exposure of harmful eating, unrealistic beauty standards, and stressful world event, will lead to increased eating disorder psychopathology. The final concern is the possible increase in stress and orthorexia-based cognition which will lead to an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors.

COVID-19 restrictions possible effect on eating disorders

The mental picture one forms of one’s body as a whole, including its physical characteristics (body percept) and one’s attitudes toward these characteristics (body concept).

Boston University

Sharing knowledge and personal experiences, promoting body acceptance, and creating dialogue are emerging sub themes in PCOS media. While the instances of advocacy were outnumbered by themes of personal responsibility and social roles in PCOS content, efforts to spread awareness is increasing in the media. 

Themes of Advocacy in PCOS Media

- mental health
- body image and eating disorders
- obesity
- behavioral influence
- health information and misinformation in the media


Common Themes in the Relationship Between Media and Health

VandenBos, G. R. (Ed.). (2007). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association.

APA Dictionary of Psychology

Body Image

There has been a lot of concern about the use of social media and its impact on mental health. The problem is that the studies that have come out have been mixed in results as well as been criticized for their validity. From the studies that were done, they found that the mere exposure of social media was not what attributed to mental health issue but rather the quality of interactions within social media. In one study, they found that the use for social media for negative social comparison lead to later depression. On the other hand. another study found that the positive well being of social media users is associated with the positive use of social media. An example of positive use is authentic self-presentation.

Impact of Social Media on Young Adult 

More and more research into social media suggests that social media use has negative links with adolescent wellbeing. 

Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescents

Researchers believe that individuals were more likely to use social media during peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, different motivation for connecting with others on social media could explain different mental health outcomes. 

Social Media Use in COVID-19 Pandemic

Watching numerous episodes of television shows in rapid succession with little to no breaks. 

Learn Before

Related

Learn After