Association of Selfie Behavior, Body-Image and Loneliness among College Students

Abstract

Selfie taking behavior is paving itself as a way of self-check. Self check on body looks, beauty standard, attractiveness, desirability, time management etc. It is common to find people clicking selfies regularly and frequently to preserve memories but also to save themselves from feeling aloof, awkward and showcase a funfilled life. Psychological factors like body image and lonelinesss may impact or get effected by the selfie taking behavior. This study focuses on the level of Selfie Behavior, Body Image and Loneliness among college students and their inter-correlations. The study sampled 278 college going young adults of age range 17-25 years. The measures applied were Selfitis Behavior Scale, ULCA Loneliness Scale and Body Image Scale. The findings show significant as well as mixed relations among the study variables. Loneliness is found to be positively significant with selfie behavior sub-variables but not with overall selfie behavior level. Additionally, loneliness is positively significant with negative body image dimensions while negatively significant with positive body image dimensions. This concludes that higher concern towards Body Image seeks higher Loneliness as well as higher Selfie Behavior. Any cognitively distorted thinking pattern regarding self has the potential to hurt the perception affecting our physical and mental well-being negatively A strong and positive approach towards own body and self will improve our physical as well as mental well-being. Justified selfie-taking is recommended for a healthier lifestyle.