Exploring the Impact of Body Image and Social Media on Lebanese University Students

Exploring the Impact of Body Image and Social Media on Lebanese University Students

Probing into the Study Details

A study was recently conducted to explore the attitudes of Lebanese university students towards body image, muscularity, and eating disorders. The study involved 402 participants, majorly university students from Lebanon, with an average age of 24.46 years. The survey was distributed online, employing the snowball technique to select the respondents. This technique involved initial respondents recruiting others to participate in the survey.

The survey comprised various scales such as the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS), the Muscle Bias Internalization Scale (MBIS), the Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-7), and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (Ar-MDDI). The purpose of these scales was to measure various aspects of the respondent’s attitudes and perceptions towards their body image and eating habits. The respondents were also asked to provide demographic information, including age, gender, marital status, education level, and self-reported height and weight. The survey also included a measure of household crowding and physical activity.

Understanding the Purpose and Methodology

The primary aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the attitudes and behaviors of Lebanese university students towards body image and eating disorders. Although the results from these tests have not been included in this report, the study’s design and methodology suggest a comprehensive approach to understanding these critical issues among this demographic. Conducted in Arabic, the survey is anticipated to yield valuable insights into the health attitudes of young adults in Lebanon.

The Intricacies of Well-being

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being” and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Well-being is particularly crucial among university students as it contributes significantly to lifelong fulfillment. However, this is at risk as students face numerous academic, social, emotional, and psychological challenges.

In recent times, Lebanon has been grappling with several crises due to a severe economic collapse and the tragic Beirut port blast. Young adults, who make up 28% of the total population, have been the most affected by these crises as they are the most vulnerable to stressors, given that their future is at stake.

The Role of Social Media

Social media has become the primary source of communication for young people, with its usage substantially increasing among university students. However, it also presents significant challenges as it often portrays a filtered image of the world rather than the real world. This has led to the creation of the “ideal man” or “ideal woman” based on sociocultural norms, putting undue pressure on individuals leading to body dissatisfaction.

Individuals often compare themselves to others, influencing their self-perception and emotional well-being. They frequently display an idealized picture of themselves on social media, adding only the most appealing photographs of themselves to their profiles. This peer comparison can have a particularly strong impact on body image.

Body Image and Psychological Well-being

Body image and psychological well-being are inextricably linked. Body dissatisfaction is primarily based on a person’s negative thoughts about their appearance, which are frequently influenced by social experiences like media representations. In recent years, body dissatisfaction has become a serious concern for both men and women, particularly women. Body dissatisfaction has previously been associated with unhealthy lifestyles, whereas body satisfaction has been related to healthier lifestyles. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the usage of social media could be linked to body dissatisfaction and lifestyle.

The Need for Further Research

Understanding and investigating students’ body dissatisfaction influenced by the effects of social media is significantly important in assessing the need to develop appropriate education on health awareness and the appropriate use of social media. Such studies are lacking, especially among university students in Lebanon during the current crisis. This study aims to assess the relationship between social media and body image among university students in Lebanon.