Social Media Influencers, Self-Esteem and Body Image Perception among Undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the impact of social media influencers on the self-esteem and body image perception of undergraduates in Anambra State by analyzing the impact of idealized body standards, body positivity messages, and social media comparison on body image perception and self-esteem in female and male undergraduates. The study tries to discover the ideal body image presented by social media influencers and how it affects audience body preference, perception, and self-esteem. The study utilized a survey method, with a sample population of 66,590 from the 9 universities in Anambra State and a sample size of 400. A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection by the researcher. The study employed the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that although they are social media influencers hold a significant sway over people’s self-esteem and body image perception, undergraduates do not feel pressured to conform to specific body images, compare themselves to social media influencers, or experience low self-esteem; instead, they expressed positive feelings towards body positivity. Recommendations are proposed for influencers, universities, the government, and social media platform owners to embrace.