Social Media, Body Image, and Culture: A Comparative Study Between Korea and the United States

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Mass Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between social media use, appearance comparison, and body image concerns in South Korea and the United States. Given the interactive nature of social media environment, we attempted to distinguish social media use from passive exposure to content. Focusing on two types of social media behaviors — profile maintenance and social grooming, we investigated whether these behaviors would be more significantly related to body image than overall exposure. Results indicated that the behaviors of profile maintenance and social grooming were positively associated with body image concerns, and these relationships were found to be more consistent and significant compared to those of mere exposure. The mediating role of appearance comparison was found among both Koreans and Americans, while there were cultural differences in terms of body image concerns and the extent to which people were influenced by social media behaviors.

Authors

• Ji Won Kim, Syracuse University

• Carol M. Liebler, Syracuse U

• Hua Jiang, Syracuse University