Effect and Prevalence of Body Dysmorphia Owing to

The Presence of Social Media

A Research Paper
Submitted for the Internal Project of

Research Methodology
B.Sc. Finance Semester IV

Research Mentor: Submitted By:

Dr. Pallavi Rallan Anuj Vimal B009
Devansh Gupta B015
Kaustubh Agarwal B031
Kavya Rajesh B032
Sarthak Nagpal B054
Satvik Gupta B055
 Table Of Contents
Serial No. Particulars Page No.
1. Abstract Summary
2. Background
i. Introduction
ii. Literature Review
iii. Research Problem
iv. Research Objectives
v. Hypothesis
3. Research Methodology
i. Research Design
ii. Sampling Design
iii. Data Collection Method
4. Findings
i. Demographic Of the Sample
ii. Awareness & Adoption of the Topic
5. Conclusion
i. Conclusion & Recommendations
ii. Limitations Of the Study
6. Bibliography
7. Appendices
 1. Abstract Summary
This research paper aims to investigate the prevalence of body dysmorphia and the role
of social media in its development. The study focuses on the impact of social media on
body image and describes the underlying relationship between excessive use of social
media platforms and the development of body dysmorphia in detail. The research was
conducted using primary data and discusses the implications of the study's findings for
mental health and social media usage. According to our findings, social media use may
worsen body image and increase body dysmorphia. The paper finishes by emphasizing
the need for social media risk awareness and healthy body image.
Keywords: Body Dysmorphia Disorder, Social Media, Mental Health, Social
Networking, Beauty Standards.

2. Background
2.1 Introduction
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental health condition that affects a person's
perception of their appearance. It is characterized by a preoccupation with imagined or minor physical
defects that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. The condition is often
associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is categorized as a somatic symptom
disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013).

In recent years, the prevalence of BDD has been increasing, particularly among young people
(Crerand, Phillips, & Menard, 2010). The rise of social media has been identified as a significant
factor in this trend, as platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat have made it easier for individuals to
compare themselves to unrealistic and heavily edited images of the "perfect" body. This constant
exposure to such images can lead to a distorted self-image and an obsession with physical appearance
(Fardouly, Diedrichs, Vartanian, & Halliwell, 2015).
Research has shown that social media use is strongly associated with the development of BDD,
particularly among young people (Perloff, 2014). The pressure to present a curated and idealized
version of oneself on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and contribute to the
development of BDD (Girgus & Walker, 2018). The condition can have serious psychological and
social consequences, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation (Phillips, Wilhelm, Koran, &
Didie, 2010).

This research paper aims to explore the effect and prevalence of body dysmorphia owing to the
presence of social media. The paper will provide an overview of the current research on the topic,
including the factors that contribute to the development of BDD and the impact of social media on
body image. The paper will also examine the psychological and social consequences of BDD, as well
as the available treatments and interventions for the condition.

2.2 Literature Review

Body Dysmorphia is becoming a very concerning factor but not much research has been done on this
topic. On databases such as EBSCO we can only find a handful of academic journals written on Body
Dysmorphia. Some important ones are given below

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by obsessions with alleged flaws in physical
appearance. The goal of this research was to examine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics,
comorbidities, and available treatments for BBD in various clinical settings. (Amir Mufaddel, MD,
Ossama T. Osman, MD, DABPN, Fadwa Almugaddam, BSc, and Mohammad Jafferany, MD,2013)

The purpose of the paper is to examine the incidence of BDD symptoms and body dissatisfaction
among college students. The new study also looked at students checking habits and the body areas
they were most preoccupied with. This study also looked at comorbid conditions such as eating
disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and social anxiety that are linked to BDD
symptoms. (Abdulaziz Aflakseir,Somayeh Jamali, Javad Mollazadeh,2019)
The paper by Maggio Erickson states that social networking is growing increasingly popular among
younger generations, but the mental health consequences of its use are poorly understood. Based on
previous research establishing relationships between social media usage and body image, contentment,
and surveillance, users' use of social media may be associated to an elevated rate of body dysmorphic
disorder (BDD) symptoms and may pose harm to users' body perception. Because of the nature of
BDD, it is critical to investigate this potential association, as persons affected generally have
erroneous perceptions of their own physical appearance (both face and bodily features), which is
frequently the focus of social networking websites. (Maggio Erickson,2020)

While cosmetic procedures have always been prohibited in BDD, current research has presented
ambiguous evidence of benefit in some populations. There is currently much discussion about the de
novo development or unmasking of BDD due to the growth of "Snapchat dysmorphia" and the
postulated explanatory phenomena of perception drift. We provide a critical assessment and summary
of the current discussions surrounding BDD treatment in aesthetic medicine. In situations where BDD
is suspected, we offer guidelines for screening, clinical interviewing, and psychoeducation. (Mary D
Sun - BA, BSE, Evan A Rieder MD, 2021)

2.3 Research Problem

To study the effect and prevalence of Body Dysmorphia disorder and how big a role Social Media
plays in exacerbating it.

2.4 Research Objectives

The objective of the study is –
i. To determine the severity of the prevalence of body dysmorphia among adolescents who use
social media.
ii. To determine the most influential pieces of content, if any, that caused bodily dysmorphia in
them.
iii. To describe the ways in which social media does indirectly promote body dysmorphia.
iv. To investigate the reason for low self-esteem in young adults who suffer from body
dysmorphia.
v. To determine the most regarded ways of treating body dysmorphia.
2.5 Hypothesis
H1 - Social Media has caused a significant increase in the number of people suffering from this
disorder
H2 - The majority of people suffering from this disorder are teenagers.
H3 - Body dysmorphia causes a person to lose confidence in all other spheres of life.
H4 - This disorder causes people to go to extreme lengths to look perfect and take unhealthy
measures which are harmful in the long run.
H5 - Self Compassion and Mental Strength are the only ways to get over this disorder and not
any treatments.

3. Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
For all the objectives, a descriptive research design was employed. Under descriptive research, a
cross-sectional study was done.

3.2 Sampling Design

Sample for our paper majorly constituted of adolescents, in the research ____ samples were taken out
of which _____ were adolescents and ____ were mid aged adults. The researchers did not have a
sampling frame for the population, so non- probability sampling was used to choose samples.

3.3 Data Collection Method

We undertook a descriptive research design for this study and owing to the need for quantitative data
we circulated a Microsoft form survey to procure primary data, because our target audience were
adolescents reaching them through internet-based forms is a highly reliable approach.
Owing to our objectives, we also adopted a mix of both open-ended questions on specific opinions or
suggestions about treatment methods as well as multiple choice questions with ranks in between to
understand its prevalence regarding the factor in concern such as self-esteem, perceived social support,
and exposure to appearance-related content on social media. Initial data was collected to understand
the social demographic of the participants characteristics to further explore the research variables.
Screener questions were added in order to get effective responses.

4. Findings
4.1 Demographic of the Sample
A total of 200 people were part of the research sample. The sample was predominantly male (50%),
followed by women (47%). Part of the sample, about 2-3% were either nonbinary or preferred not to
disclose their gender. All in all, the mean age was 21(SD = )
The majority of the participants were largely educated, with about 60% belonging to the age group of
18-24, i.e. the demographic that uses social media the most.

4.2 Awareness & Adoption of the Sample

Sections under this are based on objectives which will be further explained based on the analysis of
our survey questionnaire. In graphs, 1 is the lower end and 5 is higher end.

A. To determine the severity of the prevalence of body dysmorphia among adolescents who use
social media.

♦ How much time do you spend on social media per day? (In hours)
With over 50% of the
population spending a good 1-
3 hours on social media,
most of them would be
exposed to its content for
about 15 hours a week
approximately, being almost
twice as good a night’s sleep.

♦ How often have you edited or filtered your photos before posting them on social media?

Most of our sample isn't affected by the need to edit their photos to look picture perfect before
posting, which was refreshing to know that people are setting into the ease of looking more
familiar and themselves than a dressed-up personality.

♦ Have you sought validation through social media posts to curb an inferiority complex?
We received a neutral response for this
question which does prove the fact that
people do go online and post to seek
immediate gratification or attention that
they might be craving, the reasons for it
might be low self-esteem/self-worth, need
for social identity, to build up
confidence etc.

B. To determine the most influential pieces of content, if any, that caused bodily dysmorphia in
them.

♦ After watching a movie/show, I feel pressured to live up to beauty standards.

With a positive response to this, it was interesting to notice how the film industry across the globe
has done a great job at making people feel at ease in their own skin.
♦ If you answered negatively to social media affecting you, what type of post or image was it?

Images of people with perfect bodies and the ones that have undergone surgery received most
number of responses which shows that even though our sample themselves doesn’t pose content
that's slightly fake, they are exposed to ones that pose themselves to be ever ready for the camera
most of the time, that does insinuate thoughts of doubts about body dysmorphia within their brain,
if they hadn't had ones already.

♦ Do you follow any accounts on social media that promote unrealistic body standards? What
kind of accounts are these?
Influencers and celebrities
combined makeup about 70% of
the accounts that promote
unrealistic body standards
which is sad owing to them being
the most impacting figures in a
regular adolescent’s life that
haven't realized the
importance of not being swayed enough yet. This is one of the more prominent factors triggering
BDD in young adults.

C. To describe the ways in which social media does indirectly promote body dysmorphia.

♦ Do you have any suggestions for how social media could be used to promote body positivity
and reduce the prevalence of BDD?
Open ended questions sometimes are highly underrated, people really came through with loads of
intuitive suggestions regarding how the content on social media could be catered in a positive
 sense to help people who suffer from BDD, overcome it and those who have had donuts wouldn't
have any anymore.
Most relevant suggestions included-
1. To drop the idea of fad diets and any content that further promotes it should be taken down.
2. Posts that conceptually educate people on facts as well as encouragement towards mental
health.
3. Issuing notices for influencers who might edit themselves in terms of both their photos and
their bodies to tone the scale down a bit owing to the sad perceptions they create in the minds
of users.
4. Body inclusivity for brands.

♦ Do you think social media has affected your body image positively or negatively?
Neutrality poses an impending factor here because it puts social media at both an advantage and a
problem in winding thoughts about one’s body in their mind. They could either be very
comfortable or undergo an anxiety attack owing to the pressure they feel they have to live up to.

D.

5. Conclusion
5.1 Conclusion & Findings
5.2 Limitations of the Study
 Since this study was a sample study, the answers / data received may not be a true
representation of the population.
  Since the sampling method adopted was non-probability in nature, the data obtained may
not be a true representation of the population.
 The scope of the study is not exhaustive in nature. It is only limited to the objectives.
 Since the study was a cross sectional study conducted in March,2023 the data is true for
that period of time. It may or may not hold true in the future period of time.

6. Bibliography
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of
mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Crerand, C. E., Phillips, K. A., & Menard, W. (2010). Obsessive-compulsive

disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: Treatment challenges and innovations.
Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation, 9(1), 33-53.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15367100903370775

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social
comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body
image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.002

Girgus, J. S., & Walker, M. (2018). The role of social media in shaping the body
image concerns of adolescent girls: A qualitative study. Journal of Adolescent
Health, 63(6), 706-712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.07.016

Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women's body image

concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71(11-
12), 363-377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0384-6

Phillips, K. A., Wilhelm, S., Koran, L. M., & Didie, E. R. (2010). Body
dysmorphic disorder: Some key issues for DSM-V. Depression and Anxiety, 27(6),
573-591. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20670
 7. Appendices
Appendix I
Questionnaire On the Effect & Prevalence of Body Dysmorphia Owing
to the presence of social media