Does the Internet function like magazines? An exploration of image-focused media, eating pathology, and body dissatisfaction

Research has identified a relation between exposure to thin-ideal magazine and television media images and eating disorder pathology. However, few studies have examined the potential influence of Internet media on eating disorder behaviors and attitudes. This study investigated associations among image-focused media exposure, body dissatisfaction, eating pathology and thin-ideal internalization in a sample of 421 female undergraduates. Undergraduate women spent significantly more time viewing online appearance-oriented media, rather than reading image-focused magazines. Appearance-oriented Internet and television use were associated with eating pathology. Moreover, the association between image-focused Internet use and BD was mediated by thin-ideal internalization. These findings are consistent with those of previous research, and highlight the vulnerability individuals high in thin-ideal internalization might have to media exposure. They also suggest that Internet media use is an important topic to attend to in eating disorders prevention and treatment.

► Explored young women use of image-focused Internet images, television and magazine use.
► Internet and television were associated with eating disorder symptoms.
► Participants used four times as much image-focused Internet than magazines.
► Participants used twice as much image-focused Internet than television.
► Thin-ideal internalization mediated relation of media to body dissatisfaction.