Pathways from Attention to Beauty Content on Social Media and Peer Appearance Conversations to Cosmetic Surgery Consideration

Key Concepts

• Social Media Impact: Examines the influence of beauty content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
• Peer Influence: Discusses how peer appearance conversations contribute to body image issues.
• Cosmetic Surgery Consideration: Analyzes factors leading individuals to consider cosmetic surgery.

Important Studies and Findings

Social Media Influence

• Brown & Tiggemann (2016): Explores the effect of attractive celebrity and peer images on Instagram on women's mood and body image.
• Chae (2021): Analyzes how YouTube makeup tutorials reinforce postfeminist beliefs.
• Cohen et al. (2017): Investigates the relationship between Facebook and Instagram activities and body image concerns.
• Seekis & Barker (2022): Examines the dark side of beauty content engagement on social media in relation to cosmetic surgery consideration.

Peer Influence

• Clark & Tiggemann (2006, 2007): Studies media and peer influences on body dissatisfaction among young girls.
• Matera et al. (2013): Focuses on peer influence on body dissatisfaction and dieting among girls.
• Sharp et al. (2014): Looks into media and peer influences on attitudes towards cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery Consideration

• Henderson-King & Henderson-King (2005): Discusses the development and validation of a scale for acceptance of cosmetic surgery.
• Jackson & Chen (2015): Identifies predictors of cosmetic surgery consideration among young Chinese individuals.
• Menzel et al. (2011): Tests the tripartite influence model of body image in relation to cosmetic surgery attitudes.

Theory and Models

• Tripartite Influence Model: Assesses body dissatisfaction and eating disturbances across different demographics.
• Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954): Explains the process of comparing oneself to others regarding attractiveness.
• Objectification Theory: Applied to understand body image issues and cosmetic surgery consideration.

Sociocultural and Psychological Aspects

• Body Image: Explored through various studies focusing on self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and the impact of sociocultural factors.
• Sociocultural Attitudes: Examines societal pressure on appearance and its psychological effects (Thompson et al., 2004).
• Mental Health Concerns: Links between social media use, body dissatisfaction, and mental health issues.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

• Cultural Differences: More research needed on how these influences vary across different cultures and ethnicities.
• Longitudinal Studies: Needed to track long-term effects of social media and peer influence on body image and cosmetic surgery consideration.