Digitally Enhanced Fitspiration Content on Social Media

Fitspiration content on social media refers to a combination of fitness and inspiration and seems to promote a healthy lifestyle. However, some of this content may have negative implications, as the representation of super-fit and attractive individuals may contribute to promoting unrealistic body ideals and behaviours. It can be assumed that this negative relation has amplified due to the use of digital modification of visual content. To inform future research and health interventions, this scoping review summarises existing research across different scientific disciplines to identify key variables and findings regarding digitally enhanced Fitspiration content. Dimensions, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for English articles published between 2015 and 2025 that focused on Fitspiration, digital enhancements and social media. Through systematic screening and assessment, 26 articles presenting original empirical data were identified and analysed in detail. The results show that empirical research applied both qualitative and quantitative methods and focused on Instagram, women and young adults as main demographics. The findings suggest that men and women were aware of the prevalence of digital enhancements. Negative effects were found for increased appearance-based comparisons and internalisation. Although some individuals used strategies to reduce potential negative effects, interventions could further empower social media users.