This scoping review synthesizes 59 empirical studies examining interventions addressing psychological and behavioral responses to exposure to idealized or digitally altered images across media contexts. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the literature was mapped according to intervention types, mediating and moderating mechanisms, and outcome measures. Seven primary intervention categories were identified: disclaimers and warning labels, media literacy and psychoeducation, bodypositive and self-compassionate messages, Instagram vs reality paired images, retouch-free and authenticity labels, diversity and brand campaigns, and comments and user-generated content. Disclaimer-based strategies dominate the field and are most often associated with limited or mixed outcomes, including occasional increases in appearance-related concerns. In contrast, body-positive, self-compassionate messages, paired images showing unedited reality, and authenticity-focused interventions are more frequently linked to positive body-related and affective outcomes. Media literacy and psychoeducational approaches tend to show modest and short-term effects, while legally mandated disclosures primarily increase awareness of image manipulation without consistent evidence of broader attitudinal change. Diversity campaigns and user-generated comments show variable effects depending on content valence and tone. Across studies, perceived authenticity and realism commonly emerge as mediators, with appearance comparison and thin-ideal internalization as recurring moderators. Overall, the review highlights dominant research patterns and gaps, pointing to a growing emphasis on emotionally engaging and authenticity-oriented approaches over traditional warning-based strategies. • Systematic review of 59 studies on digital image intervention effectiveness. • Disclaimer labels were largely ineffective across body image outcomes. • Authenticity- and body-positive cues consistently improved body satisfaction. • Media literacy showed short-term benefits but limited long-term impact. • Emotionally engaging, culturally adapted interventions show greatest promise.
Mucundorfeanu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.