The relationship between ‘selfies’ and body dysmorphic disorder amongst a sample of University students

Abstract

Thousands of Selfies are taken unnoticed daily, the pieces of information hiding behind an image are left undetected. In this work, selfies are investigated to break down these hidden pieces of information, to reveal any appearance anxiety or other related symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). An attempt is made to understand any existing relationship between BDD and taking selfies. This quantitative study examines the role that Selfies play in the perception of appearances and distorted self-image related to BDD functions. The Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) was used as a measure of BDD and the results from this questionnaire were analysed, to see if there is a significant correlation between higher AAI scores and the number of selfies taken amongst a sample of University students. Results showed, that younger cohorts (those aged <19years) and the higher number of Selfies taken, were both significantly correlated with higher AAI scores. BDD respondents were also more likely than those who had lower AAI scores to filter their selfies, to feel that they posted too many selfies and to give more importance to the number of ‘likes’ obtained from their selfies. This study provides further support towards the relationship between body image and Selfie behaviour, especially amongst younger cohorts.