Internalization of Digital Beauty Standards: Body Image in the Shadow of TikTok’s Algorithm
Abstract
This research is important because exposure to beauty standards content on TikTok has the potential to influence women's body image perception through social comparison mechanisms and the internalization of sociocultural norms. This study aims to examine the relationship between the intensity of exposure to TikTok beauty standards content and body image perception. This quantitative correlational study involved 137 early adult Generation Z women who used TikTok for at least two hours per day, selected through purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Data collection used the SATAQ-SM and the Upward and Downward Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, then analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment correlation test. The results showed a strong and significant positive relationship (r = 0.708; p < 0.01). The information aspect showed the highest correlation (r = 0.970), followed by internalization of beauty standards (r = 0.952), pressure (r = 0.934), and internalization of athleticism (r = 0.901). These findings confirm that TikTok plays a role as a digital socialization agent in shaping the cognitive framework of the ideal body in early adult Generation Z women.
Penelitian ini penting dilakukan karena paparan konten standar kecantikan di TikTok berpotensi memengaruhi body image perception pada perempuan melalui mekanisme perbandingan sosial dan internalisasi norma sosiokultural. Penelitian ini bertujuan menguji hubungan antara intensitas paparan konten standar kecantikan TikTok dan body image perception. Penelitian kuantitatif korelasional ini melibatkan 137 perempuan dewasa awal Generasi Z pengguna TikTok minimal dua jam per hari, yang dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling dan snowball sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan SATAQ-SM dan Upward and Downward Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, kemudian dianalisis dengan uji korelasi Pearson Product Moment. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan positif yang kuat dan signifikan (r = 0,708; p < 0,01). Aspek informasi menunjukkan korelasi tertinggi (r = 0,970), diikuti internalisasi standar kecantikan (r = 0,952), tekanan (r = 0,934), dan internalisasi atletik (r = 0,901). Temuan ini menegaskan bahwa TikTok berperan sebagai agen sosialisasi digital dalam membentuk kerangka kognitif tubuh ideal pada perempuan dewasa awal Generasi Z.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30872/psikoborneo.v14i3.25970
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