Women's body dissatisfaction, physical appearance comparisons, and Instagram use throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the evolution of Instagram use, body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons throughout the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to explore whether there was a relationship between the changes in Instagram use throughout the pandemic and body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons. METHOD: A total of 272 Spanish women (16-70 years old) were followed-up across four waves of assessment between November 2019 (before the pandemic started) and July 2021. Body dissatisfaction, social appearance comparisons, and Instagram use were assessed using the Eating Disorders Inventory-3, the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised, and an ad hoc questionnaire for Instagram use, respectively. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes were found in the frequency of Instagram use, nor on the proportion of women following appearance-focused accounts on Instagram, among the data collection periods. Body dissatisfaction significantly increased from T1 to T4, and physical appearance comparisons significantly increased from T1 to T2, T3, and T4. These increases were not found to be significant for those with eating disorder risk. No significant differences were found in body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons depending on whether participants' frequency of Instagram use had changed or remained the same, or whether they had started/stopped/continued following appearance-focused accounts on Instagram during the pandemic. DISCUSSION: Women's body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons seem to have increased throughout the pandemic. The experiences of individuals with eating disorder risk throughout the pandemic, and the relationship between the pandemic and Instagram use, might be complex and need further research. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that women's body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons have increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this increase might not be as clear for those who had eating disorder risk before the pandemic. Instagram frequency of use, and the percentage of women following appearance-focused accounts on Instagram, do not seem to have significantly increased. More research is needed to explore the impact of the pandemic.

Socio-cultural power of social media on orthorexia nervosa: An empirical investigation on the mediating role of thin-ideal and muscular internalization, appearance comparison, and body dissatisfaction.

As social media continues to penetrate users' daily lives, concerns about its negative impact on body image issues and eating disorders are becoming focuses of research. It remains unclear whether social media should be held responsible for promoting orthorexia nervosa-a problematic and extreme fixation on healthy eating. The present study draws on socio-cultural theory and tests a social media-based model in the context of orthorexia nervosa to enhance knowledge of social media's influence on body image issues and orthorectic eating tendencies. The socio-cultural model was tested using structural equation modeling based on responses from a German-speaking sample (n = 647). The results indicate that social media users' involvement with health and fitness accounts is associated with higher orthorectic eating tendencies. Thin-ideal and muscular internalizations mediated this relationship. Interestingly, body dissatisfaction and appearance comparison were not mediators, which can be attributed to the characteristics of orthorexia nervosa. Higher involvement with health and fitness accounts on social media was also related to higher appearance comparisons. The results highlight the powerful influence of social media on orthorexia nervosa and the relevance of socio-cultural models in investigating the mechanisms underlying this influence.

Predictors of Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery: Instagram Images-Based Activities, Appearance Comparison and Body Dissatisfaction Among Women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to test a model in which Instagram images-based activities related to self, friends, and celebrities were associated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery via Instagram appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction. We predicted that Instagram use for images-related activities involving celebrities and self (but not friends) was associated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery both directly and indirectly. METHODS: The study participants were 305 Italian women (mean age, 23 years). They completed a questionnaire containing the Instagram Image Activity Scale, the Instagram Appearance Comparison Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire-14, the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. A path analysis was performed in which the Instagram images-based activities were posited as predictors of the Instagram appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic surgery, respectively. RESULTS: We found that only image-based activities related to celebrities and self were significantly related to acceptance of cosmetic surgery, whereas friends' Instagram-related activities were not significantly related to this criterion variable. Moreover, the indirect effect of both Instagram self- and celebrities-images activities on acceptance of cosmetic surgery through Instagram appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction was significant. Friends' Instagram images-related activities were not associated with acceptance of cosmetic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings provide information about the role that activities carried out on Instagram, appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction, play on the acceptance of surgery for aesthetic reasons among women. The study highlighted the importance for surgeons to consider some psychological aspects and the influence of sociocultural factors on the interest for cosmetic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Invited Response on: "Letter to the Editor: Predictors of Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery- Instagram Images-Based Activities, Appearance Comparison and Body Dissatisfaction Among Women".

This response letter highlights the importance for cosmetic surgeons to take a psychosocial perspective, considering the role of social media influences on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery in young women. Furthermore, through this article we have provided a brief overview of possible interventions useful to prevent the negative influences that social media can have on body image and the acceptance of procedures aimed at modifying one's body for purely aesthetic reasons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effects of fitspiration content on body image: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Fitspiration (also known as "fitspo") aims to inspire individuals to exercise and have healthy habits, but emerging research indicates that exposure to it can have a negative impact on body image. This study aims to analyze the relationship between individuals' exposure to fitspiration content and body image measures or associated variables (e.g., appearance comparison). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed papers published in English between 2000 and August 2022 was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar, based on the PICOS model. To be included, studies had to analyze the relationship between exposure to fitspiration content (I) and body image or associated variables (O) in adolescents and adults (P). Study methodological quality was assessed using an adaptation of the EPHPP Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Outcome data were synthesized narratively and by vote counting. RESULTS: Twenty articles met the eligibility criteria and were included. Nineteen studies analyzed the relationship between fitspiration and body image, twelve analyzed the association between exposure to fitspiration and physical appearance comparison tendencies, and nine analyzed the association between fitspiration content and mood. One study analyzed the association between frequency of viewing fitspiration content and motives for exercise. Results showed that exposure to "fitspiration" increased individuals' body dissatisfaction, physical appearance comparisons, and negative mood, especially in younger populations. CONCLUSIONS: Fitspiration has been seen as a new and prolific digital trend, considered beneficial for health. However, our results showed that fitspo is associated with negative body image, especially in younger populations that are more exposed to this content. Most of the studies were conducted in females and young age participants, which limits the extrapolation of results by gender and age. Future studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1, Systematic Review.

Video chat usage and the Big Five in women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exchange of face-to-face interactions for virtual meetings across many circumstances, research is needed to understand how individuals differentially respond to the increase in video chatting. The current study evaluated how the Big Five traits were associated with video chat usage, such as use of video chat services prior to and following the beginning of the pandemic, contexts in which participants used these services (i.e. social, family, work/school), and whether people engaged in appearance comparison when video chatting. Participants were recruited through Prolific and responded to a cross-sectional online survey (n = 438; M age  = 31.3; 100% women) assessing video chat usage and the Big Five personality traits. Higher extraversion was associated with greater video chat usage prior to and following the beginning of the pandemic, while neuroticism predicted more frequent video chat appearance comparisons when accounting for age and the other Big Five traits. Findings are discussed regarding the implications of these associations, as well as future research opportunities to extend current findings.

Video chatting and appearance satisfaction during COVID-19: Appearance comparisons and self-objectification as moderators.

OBJECTIVE: As video chatting has emerged as a leading form of communication for work, education, and socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to investigate the association between video chatting and appearance satisfaction. METHOD: Participants included women from the United States (n = 438; age: M = 31.3, SD = 12.71) who completed measures examining their use of video chatting services, self-objectification, video chatting appearance comparison, and appearance satisfaction. RESULTS: The total time spent on video chatting services was not associated with appearance satisfaction; however, self-objectification moderated the relationship between total hours of video chatting and appearance satisfaction. In addition, participants who engaged in more video chatting appearance comparisons reported lower face and body satisfaction. Furthermore, video chatting appearance comparison was associated with more frequent usage of certain Zoom features, such as the "touch up my appearance" feature, and more time spent looking at oneself on video calls. Finally, those who spent more time engaged with their families over video chatting services reported greater face and body satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The results of the current study demonstrate that time spent video chatting is not predictive of appearance satisfaction, but that self-objectification can exacerbate these associations.

Does Media Literacy Mitigate Risk for Reduced Body Satisfaction Following Exposure to Thin-Ideal Media?

Exposure to thin-ideal media can contribute to increased body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls. Understanding the factors that may prevent or exacerbate the negative effects of media exposure on body dissatisfaction is important to facilitate prevention of these problems. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to thin-ideal media images on body image in three instructional set experimental conditions: appearance comparison, peer norms, and control. An important aim was to examine baseline levels of media literacy as a protective factor and trait thin-ideal internalization and trait upward appearance comparison as risk factors. Early adolescent girls (N = 246) completed baseline measures and 1 week later viewed thin-ideal media images, before and after which they rated their state body satisfaction. Participants in the appearance comparison instruction but not peer norms instruction condition had significantly reduced body satisfaction. Media literacy, particularly high levels of critical thinking, mitigated the negative effects of trait thin-ideal internalization and trait upward appearance comparison on body satisfaction outcomes. These findings provide evidence for the role of media literacy as a protective factor against the negative effects on body satisfaction of exposure to thin-ideal media images, and also provide evidence to support the development and implementation of media literacy-based body image interventions.

Upward appearance comparison and the development of eating pathology in college women.

OBJECTIVE: Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors are common among college women, yet only a subset of this population develops clinically significant disordered eating symptoms during college. Appearance-based social comparisons, particularly those made to others with "better" bodies (i.e., upward appearance comparisons), have demonstrated concurrent relationships with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Little is known about the value of these comparisons for predicting the development of eating pathology, however. METHOD: The present study examined the predictive value of upward appearance comparisons, as well as established risk factors (e.g., body dissatisfaction, negative affect), for the onset of clinically significant eating pathology over one college semester. College women (N = 454) completed validated self-report measures at the beginning of one semester, and again nine weeks later. RESULTS: Women who were newly above the clinical threshold for eating pathology at follow-up (n = 31) exhibited stronger baseline tendencies toward upward appearance comparisons than women who were below the threshold at both time points. In contrast, women who were already above the clinical threshold at baseline scored higher on established risk factors. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that the extent of upward appearance comparison may be useful for identifying college women at particular risk for developing clinically significant disordered eating symptoms.

Is my body better than yours? Validation of the German version of the Upward and Downward Physical Appearance Comparison Scales in individuals with and without eating disorders.

Introduction: This study examines the psychometric properties of a German version of the Upward and Downward Physical Appearance Comparison Scales (UPACS and DACS). Methods: A total of 2,114 participants, consisting of 1,360 women without eating disorders (M age = 25.73, SD age = 6.84), 304 men without eating disorders (M age = 24.48, SD age = 6.34), and 450 women with eating disorders (M age = 27.11, SD age = 7.21), completed the UPACS and DACS as well as further questionnaires on appearance comparisons, eating disorder pathology, and self-esteem. Results: Structural equation modeling confirmed the proposed one-factor structure of the original English-language version of the DACS but not of the UPACS. Both scales showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The UPACS and DACS showed the expected correlations with related constructs, indicating acceptable construct validity, with some limitations for women with eating disorders. Discussion: Overall, this study indicates that the German versions of the UPACS and DACS are psychometrically suitable for assessing upward and downward physical appearance comparisons in women and men without eating disorders and women with eating disorders in research and clinical practice.

The impact of fitspiration comments on adult women's body dissatisfaction and negative affect.

The present study examined the impact of writing different types of comments in response to fitspiration (fitness inspiration) images on women's body dissatisfaction and negative affect. Women (N = 256) from the general population (age range: 18 to 49) were randomized to write one of three types of comments on the same fitspiration images: appearance (comment on the woman's appearance), functionality (comment on what the woman's body can do), or background (comment on the image background). Participants completed measures of state body dissatisfaction and negative affect pre- and post-exposure and measures of appearance comparison and functionality appreciation post-exposure. After controlling for pre-body dissatisfaction due to a baseline difference among groups, there was no difference among groups in body dissatisfaction at post-exposure. Negative affect decreased from pre- to post-exposure across all groups, but there was no difference by group or interaction by time and group. The background group reported lower state appearance comparison than the appearance group. There were no group differences in functionality appreciation. Our results suggest that commenting on image backgrounds might decrease appearance comparison relative to making appearance comments and that writing comments on appearance, functionality, or the background in response to fitspiration may be beneficial for mood.

Psychometric properties of the arabic translation of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) in adults.

BACKGROUND: Physical comparison may be a factor in body dissatisfaction and related issues, like eating disorders and depression. The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) is a scale developed to assess the frequency of physical comparison. Because there is no validated scale for body comparison in Arabic, this study aims to address this gap by validating the PACS-R in the Arabic language. METHODS: The PACS-R was translated to Arabic following a conventional forward-backward translation procedure, and was administered to a sample of 359 Lebanese adults along with The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) for convergent validity. The factor structure was studied by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and composite reliability was assessed using McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Results suggested a one-factor structure of the Arabic PACS-R, with good internal consistency (McDonald's ω = 0.97 / Cronbach α = 0.97). Measurement invariance was established across sex groups, with no significant difference being reported between males and females in terms of PACS-R scores (15.42 ± 10.64 vs. 13.16 ± 11.88; t(357) = 1.84; p = .066). Finally, adequate convergent validity was tested and found to be adequate, with PACS-R scores found to be correlated negatively with self-esteem and positively with psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The present findings preliminarily establish the Arabic PACS-R as an effective instrument for researchers and practitioners aiming to explore the physical comparison among Arabic-speaking populations, thus contributing to research and clinical work in the Arabic community.

Strike a pose: Immediate effects of a model-created social media literacy video on body image and mood.

Exposure to idealized social media imagery has been shown to be detrimental to body image among young women, and social media literacy may be protective. This mixed methods study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online video narrated by a high-profile, plus-size model on the body image and negative mood of young women and predictors of the effects. A sample of 304 young women, average age 20.95 (SD = 2.09) years, completed an online survey including pre- and post-exposure measures of state body image and negative mood, and trait measures of upward social media appearance comparison, thin-ideal internalization, and selfie-investment. A subset (n = 148) responded to open-ended questions to obtain feedback on the video coded categorically and through thematic analysis. Findings revealed immediate improvements in state body satisfaction and negative mood, with higher levels of trait appearance comparison and selfie investment associated with smaller effects of the video. Participants endorsed the video as raising awareness of unrealistic images but limited in terms of mitigating appearance comparison and selfie-investment. Furthermore, participants described that Iskra's status as a professional model also influenced their reactions. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for unintended paradoxical effects of social media literacy efforts and ensuring that such interventions are empirically based.

Daily Bi-directional effects of women's social media-based appearance comparisons, body satisfaction, and disordered eating urges.

We assessed the bi-directional relationships between upward appearance comparisons on social media with body dissatisfaction (BD) and disordered eating (DE) in women's daily lives and the potential moderating effect of trait self-objectification on these relationships. Women (N = 315) completed a baseline measure of trait self-objectification, then reported momentary experiences of social media-based appearance comparisons (upward, lateral, downward), body satisfaction, and DE urges (restrict food intake, exercise, overeat) for seven days. We hypothesized that upward (relative to no) comparisons would predict lower body satisfaction and higher DE urges, while lateral and downward (relative to no) comparisons would predict higher body satisfaction and lower DE urges. We expected these relationships to be bi-directional and moderated by trait self-objectification. Multilevel modelling results revealed complex bi-directional relationships. Upward comparisons predicted lower body satisfaction and increased urges to restrict food intake, which in turn predicted increased upward comparisons. Unexpectedly, urges to restrict food intake predicted all comparison types. We observed somewhat unanticipated bi-directional relationships between lateral comparisons and exercise urges, and between downward comparisons and body satisfaction. Uni-directional relationships emerged between upward comparisons and the urge to overeat. Trait self-objectification moderated very few of these relationships. These findings support the non-uniform impact of appearance comparisons on body image and eating concerns and highlight the complexity of daily social media-body image dynamics. Future research using refined measures over extended periods is needed to elucidate these relationships further and inform targeted interventions.

This study examined how comparing oneself to others on social media relates to body satisfaction and disordered eating urges in women's daily lives, and whether self-objectification influences these relationships. For seven days, 315 women reported their social media appearance comparisons, body satisfaction, and urges related to eating and exercise. Results revealed complex, bi-directional relationships. Upward comparisons (viewing others as more attractive) predicted lower body satisfaction and increased urges to restrict food intake, which in turn led to more upward comparisons. Unexpectedly, urges to restrict food intake predicted all types of comparisons. The study found some surprising bi-directional relationships between lateral comparisons and exercise urges, and between downward comparisons and body satisfaction. Self-objectification had limited moderating effects. These findings highlight the intricate dynamics between social media use and body image concerns, emphasizing the need for further research to inform targeted interventions.

Appearance comparison on social networking sites and body shame: The role of negative body talk and perceived sociocultural influences on body image.

Social media platforms play a significant role in the lives of young people. While the usage of these platforms has grown, research exploring the challenges of body image remains limited. This study investigated whether initiating negative body talk functioned as an indirect pathway between appearance comparison on social media and body shame and whether perceived sociocultural influences from parents, friends, and media on body image moderated this indirect effect. An online cross-sectional survey of 795 Chinese college students (Mage = 20.17, SD = 1.65; 60% female, 40% male) was conducted. Negative body talk was a partial indirect pathway in the association, and this indirect effect was significant among those experiencing higher sociocultural pressures from all three sources. This study highlights the need for health psychology in understanding and addressing the mental health consequences associated with digital media and sociocultural influences on body image perception.

The Link Between Problematic Instagram Use and Body-Image Investment Dimensions: The Mediating Role of Social Comparison on Instagram and the Need to Conceal Body Flaws.

Objective: The negative effects of Problematic Instagram Use (PIU) on self-evaluations of one's appearance (i.e., body-image satisfaction-dissatisfaction) are well-known, whereas less explored is its role on body-image investment dimensions. By adopting the Social Comparison and the Self-discrepancies theories as the framework, the present study hypothesized that PIU negatively affects body investment and appearance management behaviours through the serial mediating role of actual appearance comparison on Instagram (IG) and the need to conceal body flaws. Gender, age and trait appearance comparison were controlled for. Method: A convenience sample of 323 participants (F = 70.3%; M= 28.92 + 10.96) was recruited, and well-known self-report measures were administered online. Results: The structural model produced good fit indices [χ2/df = 2.36, RMSEA = 0.065 (0.053 - 0.077), CFI = 0.962, SRMR = 0.038], and the variables accounted for 79% and 32% of the variance in body investment and appearance management behaviours, respectively. PIU was associated with body investment both directly and indirectly, whereas it affected appearance management behaviours only via appearance comparison on Ig. The tested alternative model has a poorer fit than the hypothesized model, and the former fitted significantly worse than the proposed one. Conclusions: The present study represents a step toward a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the link between PIU and body image investment dimensions.

Appearance comparison on Instagram: The impact of fitspiration and transformation imagery on young women's body satisfaction.

Fitspiration, or imagery of thin muscular individuals that displays their physiques while posing or exercising, is a popular type of content on Instagram which ostensibly exists to encourage individuals to engage in a healthy lifestyle. A subtype of fitspiration imagery, "transformation" imagery, depicts physical changes following a "lifestyle change" involving diet and exercise. Despite its intentions, fitspiration imagery largely promotes one idealized body type (the fit ideal) and can be accompanied by messages encouraging restrained eating. Viewing fitspiration imagery has been associated with body dissatisfaction and appearance comparison in women, but the impact of transformation imagery specifically on women's body image has not yet been studied, nor has the impact of the broader fitspiration category and the transformation subtype on women's body image been compared. The current study aimed to clarify the relations between fitspiration and transformation imagery, appearance comparison, and body satisfaction using an experimental design. Female participants (N = 161) completed a measure of body satisfaction and then were randomly assigned to view one of three types of images: fit ideal only, body transformation, or travel (control). Participants then completed measures of appearance comparison and body satisfaction. Viewing fit ideal only and body transformation imagery was associated with lower body satisfaction and higher appearance comparison. The relation between image type and changes in body satisfaction was mediated by appearance comparison. Findings suggest that individuals may benefit from limiting exposure to fit ideal and body transformation imagery, particularly if they are vulnerable to engaging in appearance comparison.

Are humorous or distractor images more effective than self-compassion messages for combatting the negative body image consequences of social media? An experimental test of possible micro-intervention stimuli.

Appearance-focused images on social media are thought to be particularly detrimental for body image. However, social media sites can also be used to encourage positive health behaviours. Three linked experiments with 620 Instagram users explored the protective capabilities of appearance-related self-compassion and appearance-related humorous messages for women's body image during Instagram use. Using simulated Instagram browsing tasks, participants were exposed to a set of fitspiration Instagram posts mixed with either self-compassion or humorous body image messages, or appearance-neutral images. Results indicated that appearance-related self-compassion and humorous messages were not more effective at protecting against negative appearance and life satisfaction outcomes than appearance-neutral images, and did not influence appearance comparison (Experiment 1), even when the personal relevance to participants' health was reinforced through experimental manipulation (Experiment 2). Rather, the presence of any image which did not contain pictures of women, regardless of image content, led to improved body image outcomes compared to exposure to fitspiration images alone (Experiment 3). Interpersonal factors such as the similarity of a female target's appearance also influenced the nature of comparisons made. The study highlights the importance of diluting appearance-focused content with other social media images in ongoing research practice and for user well-being.

The Role of Social Appearance Comparison in Body Dissatisfaction of Adolescent Boys and Girls.

The main aim of the present study is to investigate the indirect effect of the association between thin-ideal internalisation (1), muscular-ideal internalization (2) and body dissatisfaction (BD) through the general social appearance comparison separately among boys and girls. 154 adolescents (mean age 18.2 years, SD = 0.73; 56.5% girls) provided information on the explored variables. Two hierarchical regression models were carried out for boys and girls separately. The general appearance comparison works as an important explanatory mechanism in the relationship between thin-ideal internalization and BD among girls as well as between muscular-ideal internalization and BD among both boys and girls. The more individuals internalize the societal ideals of appearance, the more they compare their physical appearance to others and thus the greater BD they perceive. The current results contribute to previous research findings by indicating the social appearance comparison as a risk factor which enhances BD among both boys and girls in late adolescence. The findings may facilitate identifying individuals who are vulnerable to body dissatisfaction earlier, before more serious eating problems occur.

Do appearance comparisons mediate the effects of thinspiration and fitspiration on body dissatisfaction, happiness, and disordered eating urges in women's daily lives?

We examined whether thinspo and fitspo exposure predicted women's body dissatisfaction (BD), happiness, and disordered eating (DE) urges (binge-eating/purging, restrictive eating, and exercise) in daily life. A further aim was to assess whether these effects were stronger for thinspo versus fitspo exposure and whether upward appearance comparisons mediated the effect of thinspo-fitspo exposure on BD, happiness, and DE urges. Participants (N = 380 women) completed baseline measures and a 7-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) investigating state-based experiences of thinspo-fitspo exposure, appearance comparisons, BD, happiness, and DE urges. Multilevel analyses revealed that thinspo-fitspo exposure was associated with greater BD and DE urges (but unrelated to happiness) at the same EMA time point. However, there was no association between thinspo-fitspo exposure and BD, happiness, and DE urges at the next EMA time-point. Thinspo relative to fitspo exposure was associated with greater BD (but unrelated to happiness and DE urges) at the same EMA time-point. The proposed mediation models were not supported in time-lagged analyses; such that upward appearance comparisons did not mediate the effects of thinspo-fitspo exposure on BD, happiness, and DE urges. Current findings provide novel micro-longitudinal data on the potentially direct detrimental effects of thinspo-fitspo exposure on women's daily lives.