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Abstract

Exposure to Instagram Fitspiration images creates negative perceptions toward one’s body. Drawing on third-person effect (TPE) theory, this study aims to explain such feelings among viewers and examine the effect of appearance self-schema as an underlying cause of negative body image and the perceived impact of Fitspiration images on the self and others. A total of 301 university students who were viewers of Fitspiration images were recruited to complete a survey on demographic characteristics, body image, appearance self-schema, and the perceived impact of Fitspiration images on the self and others. Results show that the perceived effect of Fitspiration is greater on others than on the self. Appearance self-schema and the perceived impact of the media on others are negatively correlated with body image. Moreover, appearance self-schema positively counts for the perceived impact of Fitspiration images on the self and others. The robustness of TPE theory was confirmed in the context of Fitspiration images. Theoretically, TPE theory was expanded by introducing appearance self-schema as a predictor of first- and third-person perceptions. Some practical recommendations were made for young viewers and educationalists about the physical and mental health education related to the findings of this study.

Bahasa Abstract

Paparan gambar Fitspiration di Instagram menimbulkan perasaan negatif terhadap tubuh seseorang. Berdasarkan teori efek orang ketiga atau third-person effect (TPE), studi ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan perasaan seperti itu di antara penonton (viewer), dan mengkaji efek dari skema diri penampilan sebagai penyebab yang mendasari citra tubuh yang negatif dan dampak yang dipersepsikan dari gambar Fitspiration terhadap diri dan orang lain. Sebanyak 301 mahasiswa yang menjadi penonton gambar Fitspiration direkrut untuk menyelesaikan survei tentang karakteristik demografi, citra tubuh, skema diri penampilan dan dampak yang dipersepsikan dari gambar Fitspiration terhadap diri dan orang lain. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa efek yang dirasakan dari Fitspiration lebih besar pada orang lain berbanding diri sendiri. Skema diri penampilan dan dampak yang dipersepsikan dari media terhadap orang lain berkorelasi negatif dengan citra tubuh. Selain itu, skema diri penampilan berkorelasi secara positif dengan dampak yang dipersepsikan dari gambar Fitspiration terhadap diri dan orang lain. Kekokohan dari teori TPE terkonfirmasi dalam konteks gambar Fitspiration. Secara teoritis, teori TPE telah diperluaskan dengan memperkenalkan skema diri penampilan sebagai prediktor dari persepsi orang pertama dan ketiga. Beberapa rekomendasi praktis telah dibuat untuk penonton muda dan pendidik tentang pendidikan kesehatan fisik dan mental yang berkaitan dengan temuan studi ini.

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