Social Media Habits That Show Your Man Is Obsessed With His

They say comparison is the thief of joy – but comparing your body to the “perfect” bodies on social media isn’t the only way apps like Instagram and TikTok are damaging body image.

Another social media habit among men suggests they may be obsessed with their physiques, even to the point of muscle irritability, a University of South Australia study found.

Researchers have found further evidence that this troubling habit may be a risk factor for “body image disorder,” but you wouldn’t be able to tell by searching the accounts they follow or reading their private messages.

The study, published in New Media & Society, found that men can be profoundly affected by the number of likes and comments on posts about their bodies.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, people who take their social media participation more seriously are more likely to exhibit risk factors for muscle dysphoria, a body dysmorphic disorder characterized by concerns that their bodies are not muscular enough or thin.

Muscle dysphoria is so severe that sufferers’ daily functioning is often impaired: They may resort to extreme diet and exercise regimens and prioritize these habits over social interactions.

The researchers tested participants on indicators of muscle dysmorphia and then asked them to rate the importance of participating in social media.

Not surprisingly, they found that having more indicators of muscle irritability was “significantly” associated with placing a high value on social media likes and comments.

“Previous research has focused primarily on women, but we now find that men are also susceptible to online body ideal pressure,” Luigi Donnarumma, who led the study, said in a press release.

“Muscle dysmorphia is an emerging issue and our research shows that social media is more than just a platform for sharing content: it is a powerful source of social validation that can significantly influence how young people view their bodies.”

Researchers at the University of South Australia also cited a 2020 study of men who regularly lifted weights. They found that when the men received more likes and comments on their social media posts, it motivated them to exercise more.

It’s not just the comments and likes on their own posts that influence how they view their six-pack abs.

John Mingoa, Ph.D., a co-author of the new study, noted that these men also noticed the recognition other men received online.

“Men are often exposed to the super-muscular ideal online, particularly through fitness and celebrity content,” he said.

“When these posts attract large numbers of likes and positive comments, they reinforce the message that this is the body standard men should strive for. Over time, this can lead to harmful behaviors such as over-exercising and restrictive diets , even using steroids.”