Intensity of Instagram Use and Body Dissatisfaction: The Role of Appearance Comparison as a Mediator

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of appearance comparison as a mediator in the relationship between the intensity of Instagram use and body dissatisfaction. This study used a male sample (n = 167), with an age range of 19-28 years (M = 21.24, SD = 1.880) and individuals who have accounts and are active in using Instagram. The Instagram Intensity Scale, The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R), and the Male Body Attitudes Scale (MBAS) are the measuring tools used in this study. Participant data is collected online through links distributed to various social media platforms. Regression analysis was applied to test the hypothesis. The results show that appearance comparison has a role as a mediator in the relationship between the intensity of Instagram use and body dissatisfaction. With a value that determines the intensity of using Instagram, it can affect body dissatisfaction through a mediator by 35% (R2 = 0.352). Meanwhile, the value that determines the intensity of using Instagram can affect body dissatisfaction without going through a mediator decreases to 13% (R2 = 0.128). With the large role of appearance comparison as a mediator is 59%. So, it can be concluded that appearance comparison has a role in increasing body dissatisfaction.