That selfie becomes you: examining taking and posting selfies as forms of self-objectification

Evidence suggests that engaging in photo behaviors on social media is associated with negative body image (i.e. negative thoughts and feelings toward the body). One potential mechanism underlying these associations is that posting photos of oneself online may represent a form of self-objectification (i.e. thinking of the self as an object) which is associated with a number of negative consequences for body image. The current study investigated whether taking a selfie and posting it on social media would result in higher state self-objectification and objectified body consciousness. A sample of undergraduates in the United States (N = 187; 141 women; Mage = 19.03; 82.4% White) were asked to take a selfie or a control photo and then post the photo on Facebook or move on without posting the photo. Results indicated that, controlling for individuals’ level of self-monitoring and frequency of social media use, taking a selfie increased state self-objectification compared to taking a control photo, regardless of whether or not the photo was posted. There were no significant effects of taking a selfie on participants’ level of objectified body consciousness. Implications, limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.