Prior to COVID-19 and quarantine restrictions, diet and body positivity content had similar effects on the mood, body image, and well being of young women. These findings demonstrate that young women experience constant pressure and anxiety from social media to look a certain way. Similarly, body positivity content as always been a source of encouragement. This is even true in the midst of a global pandemic, when such feelings were heightened. 

Impact of COVID-19 Social Media Content on Body Image: Implications 

Young women presented with body positive COVID-19 social media content demonstrated higher levels of positive body image, weight and body shape satisfaction, and positive moods. Furthermore,  levels of body positivity and satisfaction in addition to positive mood increased after viewing the content. 

Xavier University

Another type of content prevalent during quarantine focused on body positivity. These posts offered words of encouragement for everyone throughout the difficult time. They also emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself, practicing self compassion, and body acceptance. Such posts likely had a positive impact on young women viewers. Furthermore, they were also typically more diverse, featuring individuals of different races, body types, and other traits.

Impact of COVID-19 Social Media Content on Body Image: Body Positivity Content 

Parcell, L., Jeon, S., & Rodgers, R.F. (2022). Effects of COVID-19 specific body positive and diet culture related social media content on body image and mood among young women. Body Image. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.11.002

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