"It's Fake, but I Want It": Gender Differences in the Impacts of Social Media on Body Image, a Qualitative Study

Authors

• Julia Kiesler, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Mary pritchard, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Brooke Johnston, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Devyn FriesFollow
• Theron Gregory, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Laci Whipple, Boise State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Mary pritchard

Abstract

This presentation shares qualitative findings on gender differences in how social media shapes body image, revealing its strong influence on lowering self-esteem and heightening insecurities, with men and women internalizing online appearance pressures in distinct ways.

Recommended Citation

Kiesler, Julia; pritchard, Mary; Johnston, Brooke; Fries, Devyn; Gregory, Theron; and Whipple, Laci, ""It's Fake, but I Want It": Gender Differences in the Impacts of Social Media on Body Image, a Qualitative Study" (2026). 2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 103.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2026/103