'Strong is the new skinny': A content analysis of #fitspiration images on Instagram.
'Fitspiration' is an online trend designed to inspire viewers towards a healthier lifestyle by promoting exercise and healthy food. This study provides a content analysis of fitspiration imagery on the social networking site Instagram. A set of 600 images were coded for body type, activity, objectification and textual elements. Results showed that the majority of images of women contained only one body type: thin and toned. In addition, most images contained objectifying elements. Accordingly, while fitspiration images may be inspirational for viewers, they also contain a number of elements likely to have negative effects on the viewer's body image.
Flinders University, Australia.
Marika
M
Tiggemann
Flinders University, Australia.
Mia
M
Zaccardo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness; D036301:Qualitative Research; D061108:Social Media; D055815:Young Adult
Instagram; body image; content analysis; fitspiration; social networking sites