Sexiness on Social Media-the social costs of using a sexy profile photo
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sexualization, Media, & Society
Abstract
Using an experimental methodology, the present study assessed college men’s perceptions of a female peer who presented herself on Facebook in either a sexualized or nonsexualized manner. One hundred and seventeen college men viewed a Facebook profile with either a sexualized profile photo or a nonsexualized profile photo of a young woman and then evaluated the profile owner. They also reported on their dating attitudes. Results indicated that the sexualized profile owner was considered less physically attractive, less socially appealing, and less competent to complete tasks. Interest in dating and casual sex with the profile owner as well as general dating attitudes were largely not impacted by the type of profile photo. Findings suggest that using a sexualized profile photo on Facebook comes with some relational costs for young women. Strategies for educating young people about new media use and sexualization are discussed.
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
sexualization, objectification, media, social networking
Citation
Daniels, E. A. (2016). Sexiness on Social Media: The Social Costs of Using a Sexy Profile Photo. Sexualization, Media, & Society, 2(4), 2374623816683522.