Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Graham, Steven

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between social media and self body image, with a focus on how social media can influence body image in positive ways rather than only harmful ones. Much of the existing research focuses on the negative side of social media, including comparison, unrealistic beauty standards, and lower self-esteem. While those effects are real, this thesis argues that social media is not entirely negative or positive. Instead, its impact depends on how people use it, what content they engage with, and how critically they understand what they see. This project combines a review of research, original survey findings, and a four-week lesson plan for a high school classroom designed to help students think more critically about social media. Although many participants initially described social media as negative, their detailed responses revealed a more balanced experience. These findings suggest that social media can also create space for confidence, self-acceptance, and healthier self-perception. Overall, this thesis concludes that social media can affect body image in different ways depending on how it is used.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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