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A new Australian study reveals that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are driving unrealistic and unhealthy body standards among young men, fueling an obsession with achieving the “perfect” muscular physique. Published in the journal New Media & Society, the study titled “An Investigation of the Relationship Between Social Networking Site Activities and Muscle Dysmorphia in Young Men” explores the correlation between social media engagement and a rising body image disorder among men.
The study, conducted through an online survey of nearly 100 men aged 18 to 34, found that those who value likes and comments on their posts were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD). Muscle dysmorphia is a condition marked by a distorted self-image, where men believe their bodies are smaller or weaker than they actually are, despite often having a muscular build.
Led by Luigi Donnarumma, a psychology graduate from the University of South Australia, the research suggests that interactive feedback on social media—such as likes and positive comments—can reinforce these body concerns. “Previous research has largely focused on women, but we’re now seeing that men are also vulnerable to the pressures of online body ideals,” Donnarumma explained. “Our study shows that social media isn’t just a platform for sharing content: it’s a powerful source of social validation that can significantly impact how young men perceive their bodies.”
The study revealed that 19% of participants scored above the threshold for MD, highlighting a substantial risk among young men who regularly consume and post fitness, celebrity, and fashion-related content. For this group, exposure to hyper-muscular ideals online, coupled with constant positive feedback, was found to create a feedback loop that reinforces unrealistic body standards.
Dr. John Mingoia, a lecturer at the University of South Australia and co-author of the study, emphasized the mental health implications, saying, “Men are often exposed to hyper-muscular ideals online, particularly through fitness and celebrity content. When these posts attract a high volume of likes and positive comments, they reinforce the message that this is the body standard men should strive for. Over time, this can lead to harmful behaviors such as excessive exercising, restricted eating, and even steroid use.”
The findings suggest a need for targeted mental health strategies to address body image issues among young men, as well as encouraging users to be mindful of their social media habits. According to the researchers, tuning out of social media metrics—such as likes and comments—might help men avoid the pressures that can lead to muscle dysmorphia.
More information on the study can be found in the latest issue of New Media & Society.
