Body dissatisfaction among Malaysian gay men through beauty standard expectations for body image on social media
List of Authors
  • Syazwan, N. , Zhooriyati, S. M.

Keyword
  • social media, body image standards, body dissatisfaction, gay men

Abstract
  • Social media has been known to fulfill many aspects of needs in life such as conducting online meetings at workplaces, and personal aspects such as online texting. Body image issues has also been studied extensively throughout the decade, however past research showed limitations such as failure or unclear investigation of body image concerns among gay men, particular in the context of Malaysia. Hence, it is crucial for the current researcher to understand the current climate that concerns body image issues among gay men. The current research aims to investigate the influences of social media in affecting body image standards that lead to body dissatisfaction among gay men in Malaysia. Hence, seven Malaysian homosexual cisgender men who are users of at least one media-centered social media platforms, and ages between 18 to 28 years old were involved in an in-depth interview. The study yields a) body image insecurities in gay men, b) facets of body dissatisfaction, c) interpersonal issues, d) social issues inter-community, e) imposition of privilege, f) narcissistic inclinations associated to body image standards, and g) positive impressions. The field of application, such as healthcare practitioners and therapists, will be able to implement and reconsider the discoursed results into their methods of intervention in catering for gay men. With that, this study allows the expansion of recently growing body of literature that pertains to Malaysian gay men. Additionally, considerations of unanticipated models such as suicide contemplation should be explored.

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