Teenagers are increasingly influenced by the opinions of ‘fit influencers’. A study by the International University of La Rioja (UNIR) reflects this cult of physique as well as its consequences. In addition, the authors of the study have added several recommendations to avoid the problems triggered by exposure to social networks.
Teenagers are more influenced due to the external opinions of influencers and those close to them regarding their bodies than men and they prioritize aesthetic aspects, such as thinness, over healthy ones.
This is reflected in the study by the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), in which more than 100,000 people participated. 1,000 young people between 12 and 17 years old from Spain and defines ‘fitinfluencers’ as internet celebrities (‘influencers’) dedicated to the field of fitness and health.
The study
Entitled ‘Between health and the cult of the physical. Impact of content published by fit influencers on body care in adolescents (TEEN_ONFIT)’, it is the result of a project funded by the Institute for Research, Transfer and Innovation (ITEI) of the Vice-Rectorate for Transfer at UNIR, which has had the support of the PantallasAmigas Association.
This report reflects on the phenomenon of body cult and describes the motivations and behaviours of our children regarding the subject of physical appearance,” explains UNIR professor Beatriz Feijoo Fernández, principal investigator of the project.
The young people most affected
14-year-old girls feel a lot of pressure to be fitter and thinner, while boys of the same age suffer the imposition that they should define and increase the size of their muscles, according to the UNIR study.
Furthermore, it is observed that this perception varies with age, increasing from 14 and 15 years of age. From these ages onwards, the influence of body aesthetics becomes more significant as they grow older.
Impact of physical appearance in media
The results showed that between 85 and 90% of the adolescents surveyed perceive that the media and advertising prioritize physical appearance, which can negatively affect their self-esteem.
Furthermore, many considered that the bodies shown in the media, advertising or on social networks were unrealistic. Despite this, more than half of the teenagers surveyed said that having a toned and muscular body offers many social and professional advantages.
Social media and fitinfluencers
The preferred networks among young teenagers are TikTok and Instagram, while boys are more likely to use YouTube. Girls are also more likely to use filters and apps to modify their appearance on social media than young men.
On the other hand, they show a greater tendency to consume the products sold by fit influencers. In fact, when they send a message, young people feel challenged.
Differences in content consumption
More than half of the girls surveyed showed a tendency to view content related to fashion and clothing much more frequently than boys. They also consume a greater proportion of content related to fitness, food, diets and physical exercise.
The boys, on the other hand, prefer content that belong to the fitness and/or exercise category, whose display is moderately high.
As the study shows, adolescents’ main concerns tend to be body image, a concern that is reinforced by the content offered by social networks.
We are dealing with an innovative and original project that is born from observing how body care is an issue that concerns the new generations; for example, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of minors in gyms. It is not surprising, therefore, that minors look to their role models, including influencers, for inspiration to improve their image and appearance,” adds Feijoo.
Recommendations
The research showed that it is at the earliest ages (between 12 and 13 years) when parents have the greatest influence. Therefore, researchers have developed a series of recommendations to educate and reduce the impact of social networks.
1. Promote body self-acceptance, appreciation of physical diversity and promote a social environment that prioritizes emotional well-being over external appearances.
2. Educate young people on how to discern and question the messages and images they consume.
3. Reinforce your understanding of the difference between what is healthy and what is aesthetic.
4. Promote a balanced and realistic approach to health and fitness.
5. Provide them with resources and guidance on how to address issues related to body image, self-esteem and healthy use of social media.
6. Regulate and implement policies that require transparency and honesty in the representation of body images in the media, advertising and social networks, especially in cases where the content features influencers and celebrities.
(With information from EFE)
:
