Photo filters related to muscle dysmorphia in young people

Summary: Researchers have discovered a strong link between the use of photo filters on social media and increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian adolescents and young adults. Analyzing data from 912 participants, researchers noted higher levels of muscle dissatisfaction and body image issues, particularly among boys and men.

The study highlights the crucial need for awareness and interventions targeting the negative impacts of digital image manipulation. The study calls for further research and media literacy programs to address these mental health challenges.

Highlights:

1. The study included 912 participants from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors.
2. Boys and men using photo filters had higher symptoms of muscle dysmorphia than girls and women.
3. Research highlights the importance of media literacy programs to mitigate the negative effects of photo filters on body image.

Source: University of Toronto

A new study led by researchers at the University of Toronto has revealed a significant association between the use of photo filters on social media and increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among adolescents and young adults in Canada.

This study, which analyzed data from 912 participants in the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, highlights growing concern about the impact of digital image manipulation on body image and health mental.

Research reveals that the use of photo filters, commonly found on apps like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, is linked to greater symptomatology of muscle dysmorphia, a condition marked by an obsessive preoccupation with muscularity, body dissatisfaction and social and functional impairment, particularly in boys and men.

“It is clear in our study that frequent use of photo filters is associated with higher levels of muscle dissatisfaction and overall symptoms of muscle dysmorphia,” says lead author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW. of the study.

“Gender in particular plays an important role, with boys and men who use photo filters showing a greater desire to increase their muscularity and meet challenges in social and professional functioning compared to girls and women of the study.”

The findings highlight the critical need for awareness and interventions targeting the negative effects of photo filter use on body image. With the growing popularity of social media platforms that encourage the manipulation of digital images, it is crucial to examine how these technologies influence self-perception and mental health, particularly among vulnerable young people.

“Our study highlights the often overlooked impact of photo filter use on muscle dysmorphia, particularly in boys and men,” says Ganson.

“As digital image manipulation becomes more advanced and widespread, it is critical to understand and mitigate its potential harm to body image and mental health.”

The study calls for further research to explore the mechanisms behind the association between photo filter use and muscle dysmorphia. Additionally, media literacy programs are needed to educate young people about the potential risks of digital image manipulation and promote healthier body image practices.

About this research news on body image and muscle dysmorphia

Author: Dale Duncan
Source: University of Toronto
Contact: Dale Duncan – University of Toronto
Picture: Image is credited to Neuroscience News

Original research: Free access.
“Photo filter use is associated with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology in adolescents and young adults” by Kyle Ganson et al. Body image

Abstract

Photo filter use is associated with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology in adolescents and young adults

It has been documented in the literature that using photo filters to alter a person's appearance can negatively impact body image and increase the risk of thin-related disordered eating behaviors.

However, previous research has neglected to investigate the association between photo filter use and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, which was the aim of this study. Data from the Canadian Adolescent Health Behavior Study (2022; NOT = 912), a national study of adolescents and young adults in Canada, were analyzed.

Linear regression analyzes revealed that photo filter use was associated with greater muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, including total symptomatology and appearance intolerance, among the overall sample.

Gender significantly moderated the association between photo filter use and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, with boys and young men compared to girls and young women, who reported that filter use photo presented greater symptomatology of height motivation and functional impairment.

The findings expand on previous research by highlighting that the use of photo filters is linked to body image concerns and behaviors focused on muscularity. Future research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.