This article shows the results of research that was conducted to investigate the correlation between using social media, upward social comparison, and negative affect. There is even a word for the body comparison culture that exists on Pinterest, and it’s called “Thinterest.” The experiment was conducted online of US women (118 participants) and looked into how the social media website Pinterest contributes to social comparison, as well as user’s intentions to engage in extreme weight-loss behaviors. Using a media psychology approach, the study resulted in findings that suggested that if an individual follows more fitness boards on Pinterest, they are more likely to display intentions to engage in extreme weight-loss behaviors.
The results of the study also showed that when there is endorsement of an ideal female body image, it correlates to both social comparison as well as intentions to engage in extreme weight-loss behaviors. The findings that are discussed in this article are displayed in light of the social comparison theory. This article also presents suggestions for future surveys or experiments on this issue. This article directly correlates to my subsection on body image and comparison with social media. This article can be used to give more information and context on the issue that I am researching.
Sophie Rhoads, ser18b
LIS 4022 Spring 2020 