INSTAGRAM KULLANIMI VE KİLO DAMGALAMASI: FARKLI INSTAGRAM İÇERİKLERİNE MARUZ KALMA, NESNELEŞTİRME VE KİLO DAMGALAMASI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Abstract

Weight stigmatization is considered a socially acceptable type of stigmatization, which has devastating consequences for obese individuals. Therefore, it is important to examine and understand weight stigmatization. It is argued that Instagram provides a suitable platform for its users to objectify themselves and others due to its body-oriented structure. In previous studies, it was found that there are positive relationships between Instagram use and self-objectification, as well as between self-objectification and weight stigma. In this study, the relationship between Instagram usage frequency, weight stigmatization, objectification of self and others and also the effects of being exposed to different Instagram photos on weight stigma, objectification of self and others were investigated. In line with this objective, a correlative study and two experimental studies have been conducted with university students between the ages of 18 and 25. In the correlative study, Instagram usage frequency and levels of weight stigmatizaton, self-objectification and objectification of others were measured via internet. Results showed that, there was not a significant relationship between Instagram usage frequency and weight stigmatization but there were positive relationships between Instagram usage frequency, self-objectification and objectification of others. In experimental studies, effects of exposure to Instagram photos on weight stigmatization, self-objectification and objectification of others were examined. For this, weight stigmatization and self-objectification levels were measured in the classroom. Then, participants were randomly exposed to different types of Instagram photos in laboratory. After this, weight stigma and self-objectification levels were measured again. In the second experimental study, the processes of the first experimental study were repeated via internet and levels of weight stigmatization and objectification of others were examined. According to results, exposure to different Instagram photos did not cause an inter-group differentiation on the changes in weight stigmatizaton, self-objectification and objectification of others.