Authors

Gloria Carbonell Forniés1, Rocío Juliá-Sanchis2

Position

1Grado en Enfermería. Hospital General Universitario de Elda. Elda, Alicante (España)2Doctora por la Universidad de Alicante. Departamento de Enfermería. Universidad de Alicante. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL). Alicante (España). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1086-282X

Contact address

Rocío Juliá-Sanchis. Universidad de Alicante. Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n. 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante (España).

Contact email: rjulia@ua.es

Abstract

Objective: to explore the relationship between the use of social networks and the self-esteem, body image and body satisfaction of adolescents and young adults.
Methods: a narrative review was conducted. There was a bibliographic search in the PubMed, CINAHL and PsycInfo databases, for articles published during the 2017-2022 period, using the descriptors “young adult”, “adolescent”, “social media”, “body dissatisfaction”, “body image” and “self-concept”; as well as natural language. Articles with a male and/or female population sample between 12 and 30 years of age were included., with social networks mentioned generically or specifically (Instagram, TikTok and/or Facebook), and analysing the relationship between social networks and some of the following constructs: self-esteem, corporal image, and/or body satisfaction/dissatisfaction, either individually or as a whole.
Results: out of the 536 initial records, 29 articles met the selection criteria and were reviewed in depth. Findings were grouped into four themes associated with the constructs to be studied: social comparison, feedback, dedication, and trends in social networks.
Conclusion: social networks have a negative impact on body satisfaction and body image, although their impact on self-esteem is influenced by the feedback received for the images published and the time invested. The new #bodypositive trend is associated with higher psychological, social and emotional wellbeing, healthier habits and improvements in self-care, as well as being a protective factor against body dissatisfaction. It is necessary to develop Nursing interventions for health promotion and prevention in the school and community settings, based on these findings.

Keywords:

Social media; body image; body satisfaction; Self-esteem; young adult; adolescent

Versión en Español

Título:

Influencia de las redes sociales en la autoestima, imagen corporal y satisfacción corporal de adolescentes y jóvenes