This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Young women are often exposed to social media content that can contribute to negative body image, but new research has found small, deliberate changes to their feeds could help reduce body image pressures. A team of researchers from Griffith University, Flinders University and the University of the Sunshine Coast recruited 230 Australian women ages 17–35 to participate in a seven-day social media intervention.
The study examined three strategies over seven days: following non-objectified body-positivity accounts, following nature-focused accounts or removing appearance-focused content from existing feeds. The findings, published in the journal Body Image., showed deliberately curating content on Instagram and TikTok reduced self-objectification and perceived pressure from social media to meet beauty standards. Veya Seekis from Griffith University's School of Applied Psychology said the findings highlighted how social media users could take greater control of their online experiences.
"Our findings suggest appearance pressures can be reduced by removing appearance-focused content or following body-positive accounts that promote body acceptance and appreciation without sexualizing women's bodies," Seekis said. "Importantly, content doesn't need to focus on bodies or appearance to be beneficial. "Following nature-focused accounts can also help reduce appearance pressures while increasing feelings of connectedness to nature." The findings highlighted feed curation as a simple, accessible strategy for creating healthier online experiences.
Ivanka Prichard, a professor at Flinders University, said young women thrived when their value was defined by more than their appearance. "Finding content that inspires, educates or connects us with the world around us can be a powerful reminder that who we are is much more than how we look," Prichard said. Seekis said positive changes did not always require leaving social media.
"The message isn't necessarily that young women need to stop using social media," she said. "It's that they can be more intentional about the content they allow into their feeds." Veya Seekis et al., Testing social media feed curation: Effects of non-objectified body positivity, nature, and feed cleansing on young women's body image, Body Image (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102200 BSc Life Sciences & Ecology.
Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Full profile → Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
