International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Social media has become a dominant platform for information sharing, self-expression and social interactions majorly among young people. Young females particularly use social media for the purposes of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content that often reflects the modern ‘ideal’ beauty standard. This has led to the creation of a mind-set of how young women view and relate with their own body.
Objective: This study investigated how social media exposure influences perceive body image amongst female undergraduate in selected Universities in Kwara State.
Method: The study adopted qualitative research design. A total of 39 Undergraduates in Thomas Adewumi University, Kwara State were picked using accidental sampling to form 5 focus groups. The participants were selected based on their body types (fat, curvy, thin and much more) evenly. Levels of study were also put into consideration to avoid intimidation in participation amongst groups. Data was collected using Focus group discussion guide which was recorded and transcribed for analysis thematically.
Result: Generally, there is high relationship between social media exposure and perceived body image. Also, participants compare an ideal body type from social media and work across their diets to achieve this. Participants also reveal that not achieving the “ideal social media body type” leads them to depression and affects their self-esteem.
Conclusion: The study concludes that social media affects body image perceptions among female undergraduates in universities. While negative emotions are present, many of the research subject looked for many ways to cope with negative emotions and they show attributes of resilience and also having protective strategies that helps them mentally, there making it known that known that there are ways to cope with the emotional stress that comes with body dissatisfaction.
Unique Contribution: This research contributes to the body of knowledge by focusing on the need for media literacy, body positivity, and mental health awareness campaigns targeted at female youths. It also supports the efforts to address gender-based appearance pressures and promotes the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). Key Recommendations: Policies should be formulated on how females can cope with negative emptions from exposure to social media. Constant education on body satisfaction should be taught in schools and at home. Further studies should include male undergraduates and comparison amongst different universities.