Body Beautiful 2023 is a national UK study exploring the impact of social media on the body image of its users. The study asked 2000 participants aged 16+ across the UK a series of questions relating to body image and the impact that social media is having on their relationship with their bodies. Important areas such as self-image, mental health, and eating habits were all explored as part of the research project.
How often, if ever, has social media made you feel insecure about your own body?
51% of respondents said that social media made them feel insecure about their own body.
How often, if ever, has social media made you feel that you hate your own body?
50% of respondents said that social media made them feel that they hate their own body.
How often, if ever, have you felt pressured to use filters or tools to edit your appearance on social media images or videos?
47% of respondents said they felt pressure to use filters or tools to edit their appearance on social media images or videos.
Have you ever been encouraged to have cosmetic surgery by people that you don't know on social media?
23% of respondents said they had been encouraged to have cosmetic surgery by people they don't know on social media.
How often, if ever, has social media made you want to permanently change your body through surgery?
40% of respondents said social media made them want to permanently change their body through surgery.
Does social media positively or negatively affect your relationship with food?
20% of respondents said social media negatively impacts their relationship with food.
How often, if ever, has social media made you feel the need to lose or gain weight?
55% of respondents said social media made them feel they need to lose or gain weight.
Does social media positively or negatively affect your exercise habits?
15% of respondents said social media negatively affects their exercise habits.
Does the way you feel about your body negatively or positively affect your mental health?
33% of respondents said the way they feel about their body negatively impacts their mental health.
How often, if ever, have you felt too anxious to share unedited or untouched photos of yourself on social media?
56% of respondents said they felt too anxious to share unedited or untouched photos of themselves on social media.
“Half of the Body Beautiful 2023 respondents say that social media makes them hate their own bodies. The strong association between self-disgust, depression and anxiety makes this data especially concerning. Just spending time scrolling could put these young users at higher risk for new or exacerbated mental illness.”
Cybersmile Advisory Panel
Overview
Key Takeaways
- 51% said social media made them feel insecure about their own body
- 50% said social media made them feel that they hate their own body
- 47% felt pressure to use filters or tools to edit their appearance on social media
- 23% had been encouraged to have cosmetic surgery by people they don't know on social media
- 40% said social media made them want to permanently change their body through surgery
- 20% said social media had a negative impact on their relationship with food
- 55% said social media made them feel they need to lose or gain weight
- 15% said social media negatively affected their exercise habits
- 33% said the way they felt about their body negatively impacted their mental health
- 56% felt too anxious to share unedited or untouched photos of themselves on social media
Method
The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Cybersmile across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland with 2,000 general respondents who were social media users (aged 16+) between 29.09.2023 and 02.10.2023. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and is a member of The British Polling Council.
Citation
The Cybersmile Foundation (2023). Body Beautiful Report (2023): A national UK study exploring the impact of social media on the body image of its users.