Female College Students' Instagram Use and Body Image

A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

In today’s media-saturated world, the way women perceive their bodies is increasingly shaped by unrealistic and idealized images portrayed across digital platforms. As the gap between real bodies and media-driven beauty standards widens, feelings of dissatisfaction and self-criticism have become more common among young people. Research consistently shows that frequent exposure to such images, especially on highly visual platforms like Instagram, can intensify body-related anxiety, encourage unhealthy comparisons, and lead to behaviours such as disordered eating or excessive exercise. While women are often considered more vulnerable to these pressures, recent evidence suggests that men are also significantly affected, highlighting the widespread influence of media on body image. This study explores how young women experience and interpret body-related content on social media, with a particular focus on the role of social comparison in shaping their perceptions. At the same time, it acknowledges that social media is not entirely negative; it can also promote healthier lifestyles and positive body attitudes when used constructively. By examining how young women navigate these mixed influences, this research seeks to better understand their attitudes toward body image. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to a more balanced conversation about social media’s psychological impact and to support efforts to promote healthier and more realistic self-perceptions.