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Comunicar Journal 79: Metaversal and Transhumanist Ecologies: Perspectives for Digital Reculturization (Vol. 32 - 2024)

The Impact of TikTok on the Body Image and Self-Esteem of Portuguese Adolescent Boys

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that social media influences adolescents' perceptions of their body image and self-esteem. This study examines TikTok's impact on these aspects, specifically focusing on adolescent boys, a demographic that has been underrepresented in research. Given the scarcity of prior studies on this topic, we employed a qualitative, exploratory methodology. The study sample was purposive, comprising 15 pre-adolescents (ages 10-14) and 15 adolescents (ages 15-19). We conducted semi-structured interviews, which were subsequently transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis with MaxQDA software. Our findings indicate that TikTok can have both positive and negative effects on male adolescents' self-perception of body image and self-esteem. Certain practices on TikTok were associated with increased body vigilance and changes in sports practices and eating habits. While excessive use of the platform negatively impacted self-esteem, the type of content consumed also played a significant role, leading to positive outcomes in some cases. These results contrast with previous studies focused on female adolescents, highlighting the importance of exploring the male perspective.