PERFECT PEERS: INFLUENCE OF SELFIE-EDITING AND SOCIAL COMPARISON ON FACIAL APPEARANCE DISSATISFACTION

Abstract

Background: Emerging research suggests that exposure to others’ edited images, which induces upward social comparison, and selfie-editing are associated with poor body image. However, existing literature about the effects of selfie-editing and social comparison is largely correlational and experimental studies have primarily focused on Western populations. Aim: To experimentally examine the immediate effects of selfie-editing and social comparison on facial appearance dissatisfaction in an Asian sample. Method: A 2-x-2 between-subjects experiment was conducted in which 240 Singapore university students (Mage = 20.3, SDage = 2.01) took a selfie and were randomly tasked to edit their selfie (selfie-editing) or a dog picture (no selfie-editing). Subsequently, participants were randomly assigned to compare themselves to either edited or unedited selfies of others. Measures of facial appearance dissatisfaction were then obtained. Results: Selfie-editing and social comparison did not affect facial dissatisfaction separately. When participants edited their selfies, comparing themselves to others’ edited selfies resulted in greater facial dissatisfaction than comparing to unedited selfies. However, the type of selfie (edited or unedited) participants compared themselves to did not affect facial dissatisfaction when they did not engage in selfie-editing. Limitations: As this was a cross-sectional lab-based experiment, future research can examine the generalisability of findings to everyday settings. Conclusion: The effects of selfie-editing on facial dissatisfaction, especially in more interdependent societies, depend on the social context. This study provides experimental evidence for the effects of selfie-editing and social comparison on body image.