Navigating Digital Beauty Ideals: An Analysis of Social Media Trends, Self-Esteem, and Body Image Satisfaction among Female University Students

Abstract

The increasing influence of social media trends on self-esteem and body image satisfaction among young female university students motivated this research to analyze the factors that affect the self-esteem and body image of young females. The explanatory study examined the relationships among social media trends, self-esteem, and body image satisfaction among female university students. The study used a quantitative method to gather inclusive information about study variables among female university students. The sample comprised 300 university students, gathered using a structured questionnaire based on a quantitative correlational design. The study was conducted with reference to theoretical frameworks. Social gratification theory, social comparison theory, and self-esteem theory. The results show that social media trends are a statistically significant and positive correlation with body image satisfaction (r=0.465, p < .01), and self-esteem, with the coefficient of (r=0.305, p < .01) among female students. The multiple regression analysis revealed that social media trends and self-esteem had a significant predictive ability on body image satisfaction (β=0.465, R²=.261). The results indicate that higher exposure to social media trends is significantly associated with better body image satisfaction among young females. The females who are exposed to media trends and adopt beauty standards are more satisfied with their body image and more assertive about their self-esteem. The study highlights the need to promote positive media content and critical engagement with social media to combat unrealistic beauty standards. The study findings stress that educational institutions, families, and media platforms should work to reduce exposure to such standards, which can negatively impact self-esteem and body image among young females. The research study highlights institutional and community interventions to enhance students’ positive self-perception in this digital era.