title: #fitspo on Instagram: A mixed-methods approach using Netlytic and photo analysis, uncovering the online discussion and author/image characteristics.
abstract: The #fitspo 'tag' is a recent trend on Instagram, which is used on posts to motivate others towards a healthy lifestyle through exercise/eating habits. This study used a mixed-methods approach consisting of text and network analysis via the Netlytic program ( N = 10,000 #fitspo posts), and content analysis of #fitspo images ( N = 122) was used to examine author and image characteristics. Results suggest that #fitspo posts may motivate through appearance-mediated themes, as the largest content categories (based on the associated text) were 'feeling good' and 'appearance'. Furthermore, #fitspo posts may create peer influence/support as personal (opposed to non-personal) accounts were associated with higher popularity of images (i.e. number of likes/followers). Finally, most images contained posed individuals with some degree of objectification.
authors.affiliation: University of Windsor, Canada.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Santarossa
authors.affiliation: University of Windsor, Canada.
authors.forename: Paige
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Coyne
authors.affiliation: University of Windsor, Canada.
authors.forename: Carly
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lisinski
authors.affiliation: University of Windsor, Canada.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Woodruff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D000070497:Healthy Lifestyle; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D000067074:Peer Influence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D061108:Social Media; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Instagram; Netlytic; body image; fitspiration; mixed methods