Does Thin-Ideal Internalization Increase Adolescent Girls’ Problematic Social Media Use? The Role of Selfie-Related Behaviors and Friendship Quality

Abstract

Eight percent of adolescent girls were found to be engaged in problematic social media use. Problematic social media use is associated with serious physical and mental consequences. This study aimed to explore the effects of thin-ideal internalization on problematic social media use and the role of selfie-related behaviors and friendship quality. We recruited 903 Chinese adolescent girls with an average age of 13.73 years (ranging from 11 to 16 years) recruited to complete the self-report questionnaire, which contained four measures. Results revealed a moderated mediation model. Girls who had internalized thin-ideal images were more vulnerable to social media’s addictive properties, constantly engaged in selfie-related behaviors, and developed subsequent problematic social media use. However, for adolescent girls, high friendship quality buffered against developing problematic social media use, despite selfie-related behaviors. The study provides suggestions to reduce problematic social media use among adolescents to promote their physical and mental health.