1Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Institute of Physical Education and Sport Slovakia
Impact of fitness related content on social media on body image and physical activity among university students
J. Anthr. Sport Phys. Educ. 2026, 10(2), 35-39 | DOI: 10.26773/jaspe.260405
Abstract
Introduction. In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the influence of social media (SM) on the mental and physical health of various age groups. Despite a growing body of research, the specific effects of fitness-related content on social media remain unclear. Problem and Aim. The study aimed to investigate the gender differences and relationship between social media, body image and the intensity of physical activity in university students. Methods. A questionnaire survey (Social media use questionnaire, Body appreciation scale – 2, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to conduct this research. The sample comprised 314 university students from Slovakia (115 males, 198 females). Results. 1.Male students who follow more fitnessrelated accounts on SM have a more positive body image. 2. Female students who follow more fitness-related accounts on SM have a higher level of PA. 3. Female students who claim that SM motivates them to exercise have a higher level of PA. Conclusion. Our study aspired to bring insight into university students' body image and exercise behaviour in relation to the use of SM and, in particular, fitness-related content. Despite statistically significant findings, the correlation between the variables was found to be weak, thus we assume that there are also other factors affecting these relationships which should be investigated in the future research.
Keywords
fitspiration, body perception, physical activity level, social media
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