Unfiltered: How Teens Engage in Body Image and Shaming Discussions via Instagram Direct Messages (DMs)

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Alluhidan, Abdulmalik, Park, Jinkyung Katie, Akter, Mamtaj, Rodgers, Rachel, Razi, Afsaneh, Wisniewski, Pamela J.
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2025
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author Alluhidan, Abdulmalik
Park, Jinkyung Katie
Akter, Mamtaj
Rodgers, Rachel
Razi, Afsaneh
Wisniewski, Pamela J.
author_facet Alluhidan, Abdulmalik
Park, Jinkyung Katie
Akter, Mamtaj
Rodgers, Rachel
Razi, Afsaneh
Wisniewski, Pamela J.
contents We analyzed 1,596 sub-conversations within 451 direct message (DM) conversations from 67 teens (ages 13-17) who engaged in private discussions about body image on Instagram. Our findings show that teens often receive support when sharing struggles with negative body image, participate in criticism when engaging in body-shaming, and are met with appreciation when promoting positive body image. Additionally, these types of disclosures and responses varied based on whether the conversations were one-on-one or group-based. We found that sharing struggles and receiving support most often occurred in one-on-one conversations, while body shaming and negative interactions often occurred in group settings. A key insight of the study is that private social media settings can significantly influence how teens discuss and respond to body image. Based on these findings, we suggest design guidelines for social media platforms that could promote positive interactions around body image, ultimately creating a healthier and more supportive online environment for teens dealing with body image concerns.
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id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2504_02176
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Unfiltered: How Teens Engage in Body Image and Shaming Discussions via Instagram Direct Messages (DMs)
Alluhidan, Abdulmalik
Park, Jinkyung Katie
Akter, Mamtaj
Rodgers, Rachel
Razi, Afsaneh
Wisniewski, Pamela J.
Human-Computer Interaction
We analyzed 1,596 sub-conversations within 451 direct message (DM) conversations from 67 teens (ages 13-17) who engaged in private discussions about body image on Instagram. Our findings show that teens often receive support when sharing struggles with negative body image, participate in criticism when engaging in body-shaming, and are met with appreciation when promoting positive body image. Additionally, these types of disclosures and responses varied based on whether the conversations were one-on-one or group-based. We found that sharing struggles and receiving support most often occurred in one-on-one conversations, while body shaming and negative interactions often occurred in group settings. A key insight of the study is that private social media settings can significantly influence how teens discuss and respond to body image. Based on these findings, we suggest design guidelines for social media platforms that could promote positive interactions around body image, ultimately creating a healthier and more supportive online environment for teens dealing with body image concerns.
title Unfiltered: How Teens Engage in Body Image and Shaming Discussions via Instagram Direct Messages (DMs)
topic Human-Computer Interaction
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.02176