Dr. Fabian O. Nwankwo
Influence of Instagram On Body Image Perception and Satisfaction Among Young Female Undergraduate Student of Delta State University, Abraka
Abstract
This work examined the influence of Instagram on body image perception and satisfaction among young female undergraduate
students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. The objectives of the study were to determine the level of exposure to
Instagram use for body image satisfaction among DELSU female undergraduate students and to ascertain the perception of
DELSU female undergraduate students towards body image. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The
purposive sampling technique was used by the researcher. The population size for this study constituted only female students of
Delta State University, Abraka. The instrument used for this study was questionnaire. The questionnaire on the influence of
Instagram on body image perception and satisfaction among young female undergraduate students of Delta State University,
Abraka was designed and distributed to the respondents to generate data for the study. The researcher used the simple
percentage method in the tabulation of results. Findings from the study showed that DELSU female undergraduate students
often upload edited and filtered photos on Instagram because they have low self-esteem. Even though they are very concerned
about their body image, yet, they are highly exposed to Instagram use for body image satisfaction as a result of comparison with
social media influencers. The study also revealed that the respondents greatly appreciated their body; more so, victims of body
shaming are liable to have high body dissatisfaction. It is therefore recommended that usage of Instagram should be limited for
their users as excessive use leads individuals to a high level of anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems and fear of
missing out. Also, body shaming should be frowned at by school management among others; thus, anyone who engage in such
act should be given strict punishments within the academic space
