The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perceptions and Bodily Practices among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Critical Review of the Literature and Extension of Theory

Recent evidence indicates that interactive media-based web technologies, such as social networking sites, have an appreciable effect on users’ perceptions of and attitudes toward their own bodies, as well as resultant weight and shape control behaviours. However, little research has been done to investigate whether social media differentially influence gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, who are known to be at increased risk of body image disorders compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The current paper aims to address this gap by surveying and extending existing theory, using a critical review methodology, to derive a provisional theoretical model that explains how social media influence body image and weight and shape control behaviours of sexual minority men in particular. Our proposed model serves as an extension to the transactional model of social media and body image concerns, which includes additions to individual vulnerability factors (perceived self-discrepancy, gender nonconformity, minority stress) and psychosocial mediating processes (sexual objectification, sociocultural processes, online disinhibition). We conclude by identifying gaps in empirical evidence that would lend support to our proposed pathways as well as additional directions for future research.