This week I read the article “Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association Between Frequency of Comparing One’s Own Physical Appearance to Others’ Physical Appearance on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders” by Fardouly et al. (2015). The study investigates how frequent appearance-related comparisons on social media platforms are linked to negative body image outcomes, particularly among young women. Using survey data, the authors found that higher levels of comparison correlated strongly with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. The article highlights the role of visual-based platforms (such as Facebook and Instagram) in promoting unrealistic body ideals and amplifying appearance-based anxiety.
This article contributes directly to my project because it provides empirical evidence that social media engagement—especially appearance-related comparison—is a critical factor in shaping body image anxiety among female students. My documentary aims to explore the lived experiences behind these statistics, giving voice to students who feel pressured by constant exposure to filtered images and diet trends. While the article is quantitative and focuses on correlations, my work will build on this by presenting narrative and visual storytelling that humanizes these findings. It affirms that my project has both academic and social relevance, as it connects personal stories with broader cultural patterns identified in the literature.
This week, I worked on refining my topic. At first, my project idea was too broad—simply “female college students and body anxiety.” After further research, I decided to narrow my focus to the impact of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram on eating habits and body image. I also drafted potential interview questions and started thinking about which students I could approach as participants. Next week, I plan to gather at least two more academic sources and possibly schedule my first informal conversation with a peer to test my interview prompts.
Reference
Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.002