Weight-related photos on the instagram and female well-being – an eye-tracking approach

Abstract

This study investigates the role of eye tracking in detecting bias in body image studies, focusing on Instagram. Combining eye tracking with a questionnaire, it hypothesized a partial discrepancy between declarations and eye tracking, which is confirmed by the obtained results. Psychometric scales assessing well-being were additionally employed, uncovering correlations solely with eye tracking variables rather than declarations regarding body shape preferences. The eye-tracking data offered fresh insights into participants’ avoidance strategies and attention to subjectively unattractive areas when viewing very slim silhouettes. Furthermore, they tend to reveal lower self-esteem among individuals potentially internalizing societal beauty ideals. The exploratory study implies that weight-related Instagram content might affect participants’ psychological well-being, with eye tracking potentially uncovering biased attention to attention-capturing body areas. This paper may provide valuable insights for further research on body image, well-being, and the influence of social media on it.