JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Highly visual social media (HVSM) platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have become central to the digital lives of adolescents and young adults. While these platforms have been linked to body dissatisfaction, they are also increasingly used as vehicles for health promotion. However, the evidence on interventions delivered through HVSM to address body image issues remains fragmented.

Objective:

To synthesise available evidence on interventions using HVSM platforms to reduce negative body image in adolescents and young adults

Methods:

We conducted a systematic search across seven electronic databases for studies published between January 2012 and February 2024. Eligible studies included experimental or quasi-experimental designs evaluating the effect of an HVSM-based intervention on body image outcomes in individuals aged 13 to 35. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB2 tools

Results:

Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Most were conducted in high-income countries and involved predominantly women. Interventions varied widely in format, duration, and theoretical basis. Micro-interventions -brief, interactive strategies such as gamified chatbots or short videos- were the most common. Stimulus-based interventions using body-positive or appearance-neutral content, as well as combined approaches integrating digital and in-person components, were also identified

Conclusions:

HVSM platforms offer a promising avenue for delivering body image interventions to adolescents and young adults. Although current evidence suggests modest benefits, more rigorous trials with standardised outcome measures and inclusive samples are needed. Future interventions should consider the affordances of each platform and be tailored to the lived digital experiences of young people