Impact of Social Media Content on Muscle Dysmorphia in Boys and Men

A recent study highlights the significant link between social media content emphasizing muscularity and the development of muscle dysmorphia among boys and men in North America. Conducted as part of the 2024 Study of Boys and Men, the research analyzed responses from 1,553 individuals in Canada and the United States, revealing that exposure to images of muscular bodies, posts promoting muscle-building dietary supplements like whey protein, and content featuring anabolic-androgenic steroids correlates with increased risk of muscle dysmorphia.

Muscle dysmorphia, a body image disorder characterized by an obsessive fear of being insufficiently muscular, is often underrepresented in discussions surrounding body image concerns. The study found that the more frequently participants viewed content related to muscularity, the higher their likelihood of experiencing symptoms associated with this condition. Importantly, these associations persisted even after controlling for the total time spent on social media, emphasizing that specific types of content exert a more profound influence than mere screen time.

Lead researcher Kyle T. Ganson, Ph.D., MSW, from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Social Work, explained that the content viewed on social media—whether images of highly muscular physiques, promotions of dietary supplements like whey protein, or portrayals of muscle-enhancing drugs—significantly impacts body image perceptions. "Most importantly, these associations persisted even after accounting for overall time spent on social media. This suggests that the type of content viewed—not just total screen time—plays a critical role in shaping body image concerns among boys and men," Ganson stated.

The findings underscore the importance of developing media literacy programs that help boys and men critically evaluate and interpret muscularity-focused content online. By fostering healthier relationships with social media and body image, these initiatives could potentially mitigate the development of disordered eating and muscle obsession behaviors.

The study advocates for further longitudinal research to better understand the long-term mental health risks associated with exposure to muscularity-oriented social media content. This research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns addressing the influence of idealized muscular images.

Published in the journal Body Image, this research adds to the growing understanding of how social media shapes body image issues and underscores the importance of addressing these influences to promote psychological well-being among youth and adult populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-social-media-content-focused-muscularity.html