Abstract

Objective: Photo-based social media and photo-editing tools have become widespread, raising concerns about their impact on body image. This study aimed to investigate how photo-based social media use, photo-related behaviors, and satisfaction with one’s own appearance relate to body appreciation, social appearance anxiety, and interest in cosmetic procedures among medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 98 medical students. Participants completed validated measures of body appreciation, social appearance anxiety, depression, and anxiety, along with self-report items on social media use and photo-related behaviors. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, depression, and anxiety scores.

Results: Participants who reported greater satisfaction with their own photos exhibited significantly higher body appreciation scores. Spending more time on photo-based social media was associated with lower body appreciation. Contemplating cosmetic procedures was associated with higher social appearance anxiety. Female participants exhibited significantly lower body appreciation and higher social appearance anxiety compared to male participants.

Conclusion: The quality of time spent on photo-based social media platforms is as important as the quantity. Monitoring digital behaviors in non-clinical populations may be important for early interventions. Longitudinal studies in different populations are needed.

Key words: Body appreciation, Social anxiety, Social media