This research study, entitled “The patterns, motives and effects of social media on body image in youths” aims to investigate the effects of social media use on body image perceptions.
What is the purpose of the study?
By documenting the patterns, motives and effects of social media use on body image it is hoped that this study will inform efforts to promote positive body image among social media users.
Background/aims:
Social media are constantly changing and evolving and it is necessary to remain updated on how these recent developments impact body image perceptions.
This study aims to investigate social media’s influence on body image perceptions. By documenting the patterns, motives and effects of social media use on body image it is hoped that this study will inform efforts to promote positive body image among social media users.
Recruitment process/what is required of participants:
This study involves completing a 5-7 minute online survey which asks participants questions about their social media use and how this impacts their experiences of body image. We are recruiting 18-30 year old social media users, who have not participated in body image surveys conducted by Trinity College Dublin before. (There is an inclusion/exclusion section in the survey which filters out individuals who do not fit the study criteria)
Personal data (age, gender, ethnicity) will be collected to enable carry out the research objective of investigating social media’s effects on body image. Only necessary personal data will be collected, and it will be used for the purpose of this research objective alone. Personal data will be kept accurate and up to date and will not be processed in a way that is likely to cause participants damage or distress.
The data participants provide will be anonymised irrevocably at the commencement of the study, such that it will not be possible to link any identifying information to any personal/other data that participants may provide. Therefore, it will not be possible for you to access or withdraw your data once it is provided.
Ethics
This study has received ethics approval from the School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin.
Contact Details
Ciara Mahon, PhD Student
School of Psychology, Áras an Phairsaigh, Áras an Phairsaigh, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Trinity College, Dublin 2.
Telephone: (01) 89693913
Email: mahonc1@tcd.ie
Supervisor: Prof. David Hevey
Telephone: 01 896 3914
Email: heveydt@tcd.ie
The link to the survey can be found here:
