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Selective exposure literature indicates that not all users take away the same messages from their media exposure; it is suggested that viewers are not merely exposed but rather reactive to multiple—and possibly opposing—messages. The current study aims to introduce an active media-processing perspective, focusing specifically on the media-body image association among an early adolescent sample. Results of a three-wave longitudinal survey among 971 early adolescents (Mage = 11.14; SD = 1.13) show that media-focused peer interactions (W1), but not media exposure (W1), were associated with contradictory perceptions of attractiveness (i.e., perceived benefits and perceived costs for investing in appearance) (W2). Polynomial regression analyses pointed out that the association between these contradictory perceptions (i.e., interaction between benefits and costs; W2) was curvilinearily related to body image investment (W3). The findings emphasize the variable vulnerability of adolescents to the media effect and the importance of acknowledging multi-layered media messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present three-wave panel study (N = 973, X-bar[subscript age] = 11.14) sought to advance the current literature on media internalization in preadolescence by examining triggers and consequences related to preadolescents' media internalization and use of media for appearance information. We sought to examine whether (a) media internalization and use of media for appearance information could be explained by pubertal timing and peer appearance criticism, and (b) such media internalization and use of media for information could foster dysfunctional body image investment. Structural equation analyses showed that early maturation relative to peers and peer appearance criticism predicted preadolescents' use of media for appearance information and media internalization, 6 months later. Such media use, in turn, predicted preadolescents' development of dysfunctional appearance beliefs, 6 months later. These results highlight the importance for future studies to examine whether preadolescents' reliance on appearance media stems from their need to cope with current body concerns.

Social media have transformed peer relationships among adolescents, providing new avenues to attain online status indicators such as likes and followers. This study aimed to explore the associations between various dispositional and social factors and digital status-seeking behaviors among a sample of adolescents (N = 731; Mage = 14.69, 48.7 percent female), as well as explore potential gender differences in the examined associations. Sociometric nominations for digital status-seeking, likeability, and popularity were collected, and participants self-reported their social media use frequency, awareness of social media positivity bias, reward sensitivity, and gender. The findings revealed a positive relationship between sociometric popularity and digital status-seeking, whereas likeability displayed a negative association with digital status-seeking. These results emphasize the importance of distinguishing between different social status indicators in understanding online behaviors. Reward sensitivity did not show a significant link to digital status-seeking, and awareness of social media positivity bias heightened the likelihood of being nominated as a digital status-seeker. These findings underscore the need for further research, especially focusing on girls who appear to be more vulnerable to engaging in digital status-seeking behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to develop a comprehensive tool to measure positive sexuality among adolescents. We first conducted an extensive literature review to develop the Positive Sexuality in Adolescence Scale (PSAS). We also conducted focus group interviews with adolescents (N = 14) to explore their understanding of positive sexuality and to discuss the proposed scale items. In two survey studies (Ntotal = 890), we examined the psychometric properties of the PSAS. In Study 1 (N = 211; Mage = 15.5, 55.5% girls), an exploratory factor analysis yielded five factors (e.g., positive approach to sexual relationships) which comprised 22 items. Convergent validity was also established in Study 1. In Study 2 (N =679; Mage = 15.32, 49% girls), a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the factor structure. Results of Study 2 also supported the internal consistency and a partial measurement invariance for boys and girls. The PSAS is a useful tool for assessing the multifaceted nature of positive sexuality among adolescents for both boys and girls. We conclude by outlining future research directions on adolescent positivity sexuality using the PSAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study among adolescent boys and girls examined whether exposure to popular television programs and Facebook predicts the extent to which adolescents objectify their same-sex friends. Two pathways were tested to explain these relationships. The first included internalization of rewarded appearance ideals and self-objectification. The second included appearance conversations with friends on Facebook. Results revealed that adolescents' television exposure and Facebook use only indirectly predicted friend-objectification through their engagement in appearance conversations on Facebook. The relationship between television exposure and friend-objectification was also fully mediated by internalization and self-objectification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-national survey among Austrian, Belgian, Spanish, and South Korean boys and girls (N = 1,983; Mage = 14.41, SD = 1.08) investigated the association between mass media use, self-objectification, and positive body image. In doing so, we (a) extended existing research on the link between media use and positive body image by including different media genres that are known to be part of adolescents' media diets, (b) introduced self-objectification as a potential mediator, (c) differentiated between boys and girls, and (d) tested these assumptions across diverse cultural settings. Overall, our findings suggest that the use of different types of media that emphasize physical beauty and (sexual) appearance relate both negatively as well as positively to adolescents' appreciation of their own body. Self-objectification (i.e., valuing one's appearance characteristics over competence/functionality characteristics) is negatively related to adolescents' positive body image, indicating a mediating mechanism. Our results highlight the need for further research on the content of mass media and a positive body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks a deeper understanding of the associations between early adolescents' encounter with sexualizing messages, both through media and peers, and self-sexualization (i.e., performing sexualizing appearance behaviors). To address this aim, this three-wave panel study (N = 971, 49% girls; Mage = 11.14) takes both intra- and interpersonal aspects of sexualization into account. Specifically, sexualizing experiences have been shown to play a role in individuals' adoption of an observer's perspective on both their own physical self (intrapersonal) and on others (interpersonal), which were included as mediating variables. Structural equation modeling revealed that interactions with peers (W1) related to self-objectification (W2) but not the objectification of others (W2). Moreover, self-objectification (W2) but not the objectification of others (W2) was, in turn, associated with self-sexualization. The findings thereby point out that an appearance-focused attitude toward the self was a more important correlate of self-sexualization than an objectified perception of others. Moreover, early adolescents' appearance investment most likely stems from encountering sexualizing messages through interactions and with peers rather than from personal media use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have suggested that social media use may be negatively related to adolescents' well-being. One explanation for this relation may lie in the internalization of various types of ideals displayed on social media; however, research supporting this reasoning is largely absent. This survey study among 1,983 Austrian, Belgian, Spanish, and South Korean adolescents (aged 12–19, 49.7% girls) addressed this gap and found that Instagram use was positively related to the internalization of professional, social, sexual, and romantic ideals, and Facebook use was positively related to the internalization of social and romantic ideals. In turn, the internalization of sexual ideals was related to poor mental well-being. Furthermore, Facebook use was also directly associated with poor mental well-being. Cross-national differences played an important role in that South Korea significantly differed from Austria, Belgium, and Spain in the relations between social media use, the internalization of social ideals, and poor mental well-being. We also found differences among Belgium, Austria, and Spain in the relations between social media use, the internalization of professional, social, and sexual ideals, and poor mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current cross-sectional study among 444 young Belgian women (Mage = 20.08; SD = 0.91) examined the influence of reality television exposure on tanning behavior, which is known to be a risk factor for the development of skin cancer among young women. In addition, it was explored whether the internalization of sun tan ideals from media content and self-objectification could explain this association. As such, this study introduced body image perspectives into media health research. A structural equation model revealed that watching reality television was related to the internalization of sun tan ideals and self-objectification. In turn, the internalization of sun tan ideals and self-objectification related to exposure to harmful UV radiation. This study therefore provides evidence for the explanatory value of both mechanisms in the relationship between reality television and UV exposure. Implications for skin cancer prevention campaigns are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate how total amount of television and magazine exposure and heterosocial involvement (i.e., mixed-sex interactions) relate to the endorsement of dysfunctional appearance beliefs. We anticipated a double dose effect in that exposure to media would be related to more dysfunctional appearance beliefs among those who are frequently involved in mixed-sex interactions. A total of 1976 early adolescent boys and girls (Mage = 11.77; SD = 1.04) participated in a cross-sectional study. Results indicated that the internalization of appearance ideals and appearance expectations of opposite-sex peers mediated the association between amount of television and magazine exposure and the endorsement of dysfunctional appearance beliefs. Heterosocial involvement did not, however, strengthen the influence of media exposure on early adolescents’ body image. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Little is known about the effects of playing sexualizing video games on adolescent boys' and girls' self-objectified body image. Early and middle adolescents (N = 115; Mage = 12.63, SD = 0.85) participated in a between-subjects experiment testing the effect of playing with a sexualized male or female avatar as compared to a control condition. We revealed that playing a video game with a sexualized avatar increased self-objectification among adolescents. This effect occurred regardless of the gender of the adolescent and, thus, did not support the gender congruency hypothesis. In contrast to the activation frequency hypothesis and video game literature on sexualization, the effect of playing with a female sexualized avatar was not moderated by game frequency. Given the adverse consequences of self-objectification in adolescence, the current study results highlight the need for research on how these effects may be countered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents' experiences with social media are complex and can impact their mental well-being differently. Our study aimed to understand how neurobiological sensitivities may moderate the association between different social media experiences and depressive symptoms. In a multi-wave study, 80 adolescents (Mage = 13.06, SD = .58) took part in an fMRI task designed to gauge the neural responses when viewing accepted and rejected peers within their own social networks (wave 1). We also collected self-reported measures of positive (digital social connection) and negative (digital pressure) experiences on social media and depressive symptoms (waves 2 and 3). Our findings revealed that there were no significant associations between digital social connection, digital pressure, and depressive symptoms one year later. However, the association between digital social connection and depressive symptoms was moderated by neural responsivity. Specifically, for adolescents with reduced sensitivity to their rejected peers in the VS, rTPJ, and vmPFC, digital social connection was associated with reduced depressive symptoms one year later. These results emphasize the importance of individual differences in how adolescents' brains respond to rejected peers in shaping the impact of online experiences on their mental well-being., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.)