Effects of social media on body image perception among a sample of Jordanian university students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Social media has become a routine in our daily life, particularly among university students with various effects on their mental health outcomes including ideas and internalization of their body images. With the increasing prevalence of visual-centered platforms, rising concerns about the negative effects of social media on body dissatisfaction and psychological well-being have emerged. With the widespread use of social media in Jordan, understanding the impact of the platforms on body image perception is essential to develop targeted interventions. Aim This study investigates the relationship between social media use and body image perception among university students in Jordan. Focusing on preferred contents, screen time, and their impact on body dissatisfaction. Methods This study utilizes a cross-sectional study design with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI, Statistical analyses, including t -tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, assessed associations between social media use, content preferences, and body image dissatisfaction. Five hundred forty students from different universities in Jordan participated in the study and responded to an online questionnaire. Results Higher BICI scores were significantly associated with female gender ( p = 0.022), obesity ( p = 0.001), engagement with entertainment ( p = 0.009), and daily life content ( p = 0.017). A positive correlation was found between BSMAS and BICI scores ( r = 0.319, p < 0.01). Instagram was the most used platform (71.3%), and prolonged social media use was common. Conclusion Findings suggest a significant association between social media and body image dissatisfaction among Jordanian university students which highlights the need for media literacy education programs and psychological and digital well-being interventions to reduce the negative impact of social media on body image perception among students.