Me, my selfie, and I: The relationship between editing and posting selfies and body dissatisfaction in men and women

Abstract

Factors that promote versus protect against body dissatisfaction remain unclear. Social media may be a risk factor, particularly given ubiquitous engagement among young people, and the pervasive use of "selfies." Conversely, self-compassion has received attention as a protective factor against body dissatisfaction. This study examined: (a) the relationships between "manipulation" of selfies posted online, "investment" in others' responses to selfies, and body dissatisfaction; and (b) whether self-compassion moderated the relationships between social media variables and body dissatisfaction. Results from 184 Australian men (n = 89) and women (n = 95) suggested that social media variables phot..