All extern? Exploring the Impact of Social Media and Physical Activity on Adolescents’ Body Image and Interoception

Abstract

Introduction Screen time among Swiss adolescents is rising, with one primary factor being their average daily smartphone use of up to four hours. A significant portion of this time is devoted to social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram (Külling et al., 2022). Due to substantial biological, cognitive, and social changes during this developmental phase, adolescents are highly sensitive to external stimuli. Following, adolescence is a crucial period in the development of one’s body image. Intriguingly, visually driven applications like Instagram seem to trigger adolescents’ sensitivity to external stimuli. Research confirms that frequent use of image-focused social media platforms negatively impacts adolescents’ body image (de Valle et al., 2021). However, besides external stimuli, the brain also processes information from within the body through a mechanism known as interoception, which involves sensing and interpreting internal bodily signals (Craig, 2003). Current theories posit a multisensory integration of exteroceptive and interoceptive signals in the formation of the body image. Interestingly, it is suggested that a higher interoception is related to a healthier body image (Badoud & Tsakiris, 2017). Moreover, recent research has shown that the use of digital media is associated with a reduced perception of interoceptive signals. In contrast, acute physical activity has demonstrated its capacity to enhance both body image and interoception (Wallman-Jones et al., 2023), positioning it as a promising candidate for mitigating potential adverse effects of social media use. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of both social media exposure and physical activity on adolescents’ body image and interoception.

Methods In a within-subject design, 36 participants aged 13 to 17 will take part in a laboratory experiment consisting of two experimental conditions. In the first condition, participants will engage in 15 minutes of Instagram use, during which they will be instructed to visit six different profiles of male or female fitness influencer of the same gender themselves. In the second condition, participants will cycle on an ergometer for 15 minutes. Intensities will be increased from light (50-63% of HR Max) to moderate (64-76% of HR Max) and vigorous (77-93% of HR Max). Interoceptive accuracy (Heartbeat Counting Task) and state positive body image (State Body Appreciation Scale, Body Functionality Scale) will be measured before and immediately after the experimental manipulations, Measurements will take place at a one-week interval. At baseline participants will fill out a questionnaire regarding interoceptive awareness, trait body image, smartphone use, and general physical activity. Subsequently, participants will perform a 20m-shuttle run test to assess physical fitness and maximal heart rate. These will be used to individualize the intensity of the physical activity.

Results The study is currently ongoing, and results will be presented at the conference. The outlined study design enables an evaluation of the effects of acute social media use and physical activity on adolescents’ body image and interoception. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of how social media and physical activity influence adolescents’ body image and interoception, potentially guiding future interventions to promote healthy body perception in adolescents.