How do you usually decide on a new exercise program?
Have you ever searched for fitness inspiration on social media? Why or why not?
In your opinion, is social media a reliable source of fitness information?
How do you think social media influences people's perceptions of body image and
beauty standards?
Define the following terms based on context or prior knowledge:
fitspiration:
credibility:
body dissatisfaction:
-
sexualized:
underweight:
vetted:
hashtags:
-
The quality of being trustworthy and reliable.
Weighing less than what is considered healthy for a particular
height.
Portrayed in a way that emphasizes sexual attractiveness.
Thoroughly examined or evaluated for accuracy and
reliability.
Keywords or phrases used on social media to categorize
content.
Feeling discontent or unhappy with one's body.
Content on social media intended to inspire physical fitness
and promote health.
After reading the article, discuss the main points
What is fitspiration, and where can you find it on social media?
What are the potential downsides of fitspirational posts according to the article?
How did the study assess the credibility of fitspiration posts on Instagram?
Main Focus: The main focus of the article is to discuss the potential downsides of
fitspirational posts on social media and the credibility of such content.
Fitspiration Definition and Platforms: Fitspiration refers to social media posts
intended to inspire physical fitness. They can be found on platforms like TikTok,
Instagram, Facebook, and others
Potential Downsides: The author mentions increased body dissatisfaction,
negative mood, decreased perception of attractiveness, embracing thinness as
the ideal, limited diversity in body representations, and a focus on appearance
rather than function and capability.
Study Details: The study analyzed the last 15 posts of 100 Instagram accounts of
popular fitspiration influencers. Credibility was assessed based on criteria such as
nudity, sexualization, extreme body types, messages encouraging thinness, and
the presence of fitness-related content in three or fewer posts.
Credibility Test Results: 26% portrayed sexualized images, 22% posted nudity or
inappropriate clothing, 15% featured extreme body types, and 41% posted fitnessrelated content in three or fewer posts. A quarter of the accounts failed the
credibility test on more than one criterion.
<<<<Summary:
The article discusses the potential negative effects of fitspirational posts on social media, emphasizing
issues like body dissatisfaction and the credibility of the information provided. A study on popular
fitspiration influencers revealed disappointing results, indicating that a significant percentage of posts
failed credibility tests, raising concerns about the quality of fitspiration content.
Negative Effects: Fitspirational posts may lead to increased body dissatisfaction, negative mood, and a
focus on appearance rather than function and capability.
Credibility Test Results: 26% portrayed sexualized images, 22% posted nudity or inappropriate clothing,
15% featured extreme body types, and 41% posted fitness-related content in three or fewer posts.
Recommendations: Seek out fitness-related health content from sources with credentials related to
fitness. Be skeptical of posts lacking credentials, especially those selling a product or service
Do you agree with the study's criteria for assessing the credibility of fitspiration posts? Why or why not?
What role do influencers and celebrities play in shaping societal standards of beauty and fitness, and how does this impact
individuals?
Why do you think social media platforms are popular for fitspiration?
In what ways might fitspiration posts influence people's perceptions of beauty and
health?
How can individuals critically evaluate fitness information on social media to ensure its
credibility?
Do you agree with the study's criteria for assessing the credibility of fitspiration posts?
Why or why not?
What role do influencers and celebrities play in shaping societal standards of beauty
and fitness, and how does this impact individuals?