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

Effects of COVID-19 specific body positive and diet culture related social media content on body image and mood among young women 

- Effects of COVID-19 specific body positive and diet culture related social media content on body image and mood among young women 

Xavier University

During the period of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, the amount of time young people spent on social media increased significantly. There was also a rise in COVID-19 related social media content, which included content surrounding diet and exercise.  

Impact of COVID-19 Social Media Content on Body Image 

Impact of COVID-19 Social Media Content on Body Image References 

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 

An individual's social literacy can potentially impact how much of an effect viewing social media impacts their well being, particularly their mood and body image. Social media literacy refers to an individuals ability to think critically regarding the validity of what they see on social media and if they are aware of its unrealistic aspects. Having high levels of social literacy can help to prevent young people from relying on social media for validation and thus negatively impacting their mood and body image. 

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

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.

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