Association Among Social Media Usage, Body Image Issues, and Aggression in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Social media has become a central aspect of young adults’ lives, significantly influencing their perceptions of body image and interpersonal behavior. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook often portray idealized and filtered representations of beauty, triggering upward social comparison and dissatisfaction with physical appearance. Simultaneously, heightened frustration from such comparisons has been theorized to link to increased aggression. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative correlational research design using a convenience sample of 120 university students aged 18–25. Participants completed standardized instruments, including the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), Body Esteem Scale (BESAA), and related demographic questions, through an online survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 with Pearson correlations and mediation analysis via Hayes’ PROCESS Macro. Results: The results indicated a significant positive correlation between social media usage and body image concerns (r = 0.565, p < .001), supporting the first hypothesis. However, no statistically significant associations were found between body image concerns and aggression (as measured by body esteem), nor between social media use and aggression. The proposed mediating role of body image concerns was therefore not supported. Conclusion: The findings underscore the strong relationship between social media exposure and body dissatisfaction but suggest that aggression may be influenced by more complex or additional variables. This study reinforces the importance of promoting digital media literacy and psychological resilience in youth, while recommending future research with more precise aggression measures and longitudinal frameworks.