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Submitted
September 23, 2023
Accepted
July 9, 2024
Published
July 30, 2024
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Abstract

In the vortex of virtual mirrors, young adults find themselves at the epicentre of body ideals and dietary trends. This study examines the relationship between social media, body image and eating behaviours of urban young adults in Mumbai. It explores usage patterns, analyses the impact of body-centric content on perceptions and behaviours, and assesses the youth’s awareness of social media’s potential influence on eating disorders and mental health. The primary empirical data were collected through an online survey, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire from 360 respondents in Mumbai who were selected based on specific criteria, i.e. aged 15 – 29 years and regularly use social media. This study found that social media has become the foreground of body image ideals, weight loss endeavours, and dieting trends which are not necessarily fact-based. The practice of photo editing, dietary changes, and the act of comparing oneself to others on social media are prevalent among respondents. These findings provide insights into the complex role of social media in young adults’ lives, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and fostering responsible online behaviours through media literacy.

Keywords

Body image dietary trends eating disorder mental health social media

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Copyright (c) 2024 Ms. Ashwathi Anilkumar

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Author Biography

Ms. Ashwathi Anilkumar, KET's V. G. Vaze College (Autonomous), Mumbai, India

Ms. Ashwathi Anilkumar has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Media of Vaze College, Mumbai since 2019. Her domain encompasses mass media, health communication, entertainment marketing, and tourism promotion. She has participated in national and international conferences and co-authored a book on Media and Electoral Process.

How to Cite
Anilkumar, A. (2024). Virtual Mirrors and Distorted Reflections: Investigating Social Media’s Influence on Body Image and Eating Behaviour of Young Adults in Mumbai. Asian Journal of Media and Communication, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.20885/asjmc.vol8.iss1.art1
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