Me, My Selfie, and I: The Relations Between Selfie Behaviors, Body Image, Self-Objectification, and Self-Esteem in Young Women

Due to the enormous popularity of social networking sites (SNSs), online and offline social lives seem inextricably linked, which raises concerns for how SNS use relates to psychological health. Similarly, the omnipresence of selfies on SNSs-a form of appearance-related exposure-raises concerns regarding psychological health. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between body image, self-objectification, self-esteem, and various selfie behaviors among young women (N = 179). We hypothesized that a worsened body image (i.e., higher body dissatisfaction or lower body appreciation), higher levels of self-objectification, and lower self-esteem would precede greater engagement in selfie behaviors. Structural equation modeling showed that body appreciation is associated with greater engagement in selfie selection and deliberate posting, and that self-objectification is related to greater engagement in all selfie behaviors assessed. In support of our proposed model, a reversed model was also tested that showed poorer results. These findings suggest that body image may serve not only as an outcome of SNS use but also as a motive preceding selfie behaviors. Public Policy Relevance Statement Because many young people use social network sites (SNSs) and selfies extensively in their everyday lives, it is important to better understand the (reciprocal) relations between SNSs and selfies on the one hand, and body image and self-esteem on the other hand. Results from our study showed that young women who appreciated their body to a higher extent were also very likely to be engaged in selecting their selfies and deliberate selfie posting on SNSs, and those who regarded their bodies more as physical objects were also more engaged in selfie behaviors pertaining to selecting, editing, and online posting of selfies. Further, guiding future research and intervention development, our research findings imply that SNS use and body image are intertwined, in that body image serves not only as an outcome of SNS use but also as a motive for being engaged in selfie behaviors.