Influence of Social Media (instagram and Tiktok) on Body Image and Self-Esteem Among Female Undergraduate Students in Unn

This study examines the influence of Instagram and TikTok on body image and self-esteem among female undergraduate students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). A descriptive survey design was employed, with 377 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique, including Bowley’s proportional allocation formula and simple random sampling. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analysed to identify usage patterns, self-comparison behaviours, and their effects on body image and self-esteem. Findings reveal high social media engagement, with 66.6% of respondents spending more than two hours daily on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. While TikTok usage has grown significantly, only 45.9% preferred Instagram over other platforms. A small proportion of respondents reported engaging in self-comparison, yet most indicated minimal impact on their body image and self-esteem. These results align partially with Social Comparison Theory, which highlights how individuals assess their worth through comparisons. The study recommends promoting digital literacy to help users critically evaluate curated content and encouraging social media platforms to embrace diverse and inclusive body representations. Additionally, awareness campaigns should be initiated to mitigate the potential negative effects of prolonged exposure to idealised images. This research concludes that while Instagram and TikTok facilitate social comparison, their overall influence on body image and self-esteem among UNN students appears limited. Future studies should explore long-term impacts and strategies to promote healthier social media interactions, contributing to the broader understanding of digital media's effects on youth.