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#Fitspiration : The Effects of Fitness-related TikTok Content on Young Users
Russchen, Simone (2025) #Fitspiration : The Effects of Fitness-related TikTok Content on Young Users.
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| Abstract: | Concerns about the impact of fitness-related content on mental and physical health have increased alongside TikTok's rapid growth among young users. This study investigates how fitness-focused TikTok trends, specifically #fitspiration and #WhatIEatInADay, affect body image, exercise behavior, and nutrition habits in individuals aged 18 to 25. A quantitative online survey (N = 164) was conducted to examine how these effects are shaped by perceived social norms, personality traits, and gender. Regression and moderation analyses revealed that exposure to fitness content did not significantly influence body image. Instead, having a positive body image was found to significantly and positively predict exercise behavior. Furthermore, the relationship between body image and nutrition behavior was moderated by perceived social norms, suggesting that societal expectations strongly shape dietary choices. No significant moderating effects were found for gender or personality traits, and perceived social norms were not directly influenced by content exposure. These findings indicate that fitness-related TikTok content may reinforce preexisting body ideals rather than directly altering self-perception or behavior. Future research should consider longitudinal approaches or implicit association measures to better understand perceived social norms. Additionally, qualitative research could offer deeper insight into emotional and cognitive responses to fitness content. Improved personality assessments and more balanced samples may clarify unresolved moderating effects. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Science BSc (56615) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107020 |
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