Active and passive social media use: Relationships with body image in physically active men

Abstract

Little is known about how different types of engagement with social media (active vs passive) relate to body image in men. This study explored relationships between social media use (active and passive), body image, and drive for muscularity in physically active men. A questionnaire containing measures of body image (appearance valence, appearance salience), drive for muscularity, and social media use was completed by 224 men aged 18–50 years. Results showed a negative relationship between active social media use and appearance valence. Active and passive social media use were positively associated with drive for muscularity and appearance salience. Passive social media use was predictive of higher appearance salience and drive for muscularity in linear regression models. These findings suggest social media may be linked to body image and muscularity concerns in men.