Selfies as a tool for self-presentation: Relations between strategic selfie-behavior, peer feedback and appearance dis/satisfaction among Belgian teens

Taking and posting selfies is one of the most popular activities adolescents engage in on social media. This study explored how different types of selfie practices (i.e. selfie investment and editing) relate to appearance dissatisfaction. Across two cross-sectional studies, Belgian adolescents (Study 1: N = 806, age range = 13–19 years; Mage = 15.58; Study 2: N = 262, age range = 13–19 years; Mage = 15.99) reported on their self-presentation expectancies, selfie practices, body surveillance, appearance dissatisfaction, and selfie feedback (positive and negative). Results revealed that both selfie investment and selfie editing were positively related to appearance dissatisfaction, though through different mechanisms. Selfie editing elicited more negative feedback and diminished positive responses, escalating appearance dissatisfaction. Conversely, selfie investment was positively associated with both positive feedback – buffering against appearance dissatisfaction – and body surveillance, which exacerbates appearance dissatisfaction. These insights underscore the nuanced impact of different selfie behaviors on body image, suggesting varied mechanisms that may explain their connection to body image concerns.