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 COVID-19 social media content that focused on dieting and a thin body ideal demonstrated an increase in weight and shape body dissatisfaction and negative mood. 

Xavier University

One particular hashtag that trended during COVID-19 quarantine was 'Quarantine 15', a reference to weight put on during quarantine. These post emphasized dieting and thinness and often used stigmatizing language about weight.  Some posts expressed disgust at their lack of self control and laziness that led to weight gain during quarantine. Others stressed the importance of dieting and exercise to maintain low weight. Such videos could have potential have had a negative impact on individuals already experiencing anxieties due to the uncertain time, especially young women. 

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