Social media use and roles of self-objectification, self-compassion and body image concerns: a systematic review.

Background: The use of social media, particularly content that is highly visual and appearance-focused, is associated with higher levels of self-objectification, body image concerns, and eating disorder risks (with small to moderate effects). In this context, understanding the potential protective role of self-compassion is important. A revised model of objectification theory has been proposed, emphasizing the predictors, moderators, and consequences of self-objectification on body image concerns and mental health. The model suggests that social media use can trigger self-objectification, which may lead to to body shame and other negative mental health outcomes, such as disordered eating. It also emphasizes self-compassion as a protective factor mitigating the impact of media exposure on self-objectification and body image concerns. To date, this model has not been empirically tested in its integrated form. Therefore, to provide examine the promise of this model and inform future work seeking to test it, the present study provides a systematic review of the extant work examining the relationships among social media use, self-objectification, self-compassion, and body image concerns.

Results: Our search yielded a limited number of studies, suggesting that few researchers have explored these relationships. Regarding our findings firstly, the review revealed that social media use was positively associated with self-objectification, specifically with body surveillance and some body image concerns (e.g. body shame, body esteem). Secondly, the review underscored the protective role of self-compassion, highlighting its potential to moderate or mediate the impact of social media use on self-objectification and body image concerns.

Conclusion: Given the significant link between these factors and the risk of developing eating disorders, further research in this area is crucial to inform prevention strategies and interventions aimed at promoting healthier body image and resilience to socio-cultural pressures. More studies on the relationship between these variables and testing this revised model of objectification are needed.