ArticleAnnals of medicine and surgery (2012)2026
Assessing photo-specific social media, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression: a nationwide cross-sectional study on adolescents and young adults.
Article in Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: The rise of photo-specific social media platforms has significantly impacted body image and mental health. Although studies have shown a link between social media use and body dissatisfaction, most prior research has focused on adult and Western populations, leaving a gap in understanding these relationships among adolescents and young adults in non-Western contexts like Pakistan. Furthermore, the specific roles of active photo-editing behaviors and exposure to influencer content remain under-investigated. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression among social media users in Pakistan aged 16-25 years. A total of 511 participants completed a survey assessing social media engagement including time spent on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, usage of filters and photo-editing tools, and exposure to beauty and fitness content. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-8C), the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4), GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales were used. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS and included descriptive statistics, non-parametric independent sample test, and multinomial regression analysis. Results: Out of 511 participants, 212 (41.5%) were in the 21-23 years age category, and 315 (61.6%) were female. Snapchat was the most frequently used platform for photo-filters (178, 51.8%). The median (IQR) BSQ-8C score was 21 (19). Significant positive correlations were observed between BSQ-8C, SATAQ-4, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 (all Conclusion: This study provides evidence from a Pakistani cohort that engagement with photo-specific social media is associated with body dissatisfaction and poorer mental health, with females being particularly vulnerable. The finding that the importance placed on photo filters is a key predictor highlights a critical risk factor. These results emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies, including media literacy programs that critically address photo-editing and curated content and accessible mental health support for young people.
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