Microintervention Strategies on Social Media to Protect Women's Body Image: A Review & Future Research Directions

Abstract

This review examines findings from 23 studies published between 2013 and 2023, offering a comprehensive understanding of the impact of social media interventions, such as body-positive content, self-compassion messaging, and realistic portrayals of beauty. It evaluates how these strategies affect women's cognitive and emotional processes. It provides a detailed explanation of the visual inputs used, including various types of imagery or videos and their corresponding effects. Furthermore, it identifies significant research gaps, particularly concerning early adolescence—a critical period for body image development—and emphasizes the need for further exploration into the long-term impact of these interventions on a diverse range of demographics. The study serves as a useful resource for practitioners, delivering evidence-based insights into effective and harmful visuals. By doing so, it encourages a responsible approach to the visual content employed in marketing efforts, fostering the promotion of positive body image and emotional well-being in online environments.