Imagen corporal de los adolescentes y jóvenes españoles. El papel de la validación y la comparación online

Tamara Vázquez-Barrio; Laura Monteagudo-Barandalla; Ainhoa Torres-Sáez-de-Ibarra

doi:10.35669/rcys.2026.16.e413

Authors

Tamara Vázquez-Barrio Universidad San Pablo CEU https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2789-8554
Laura Monteagudo-Barandalla Universidad San Pablo CEU https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2956-0581
Ainhoa Torres-Sáez-de-Ibarra Universidad San Pablo CEU https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1618-4209

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35669/rcys.2026.16.e413

Keywords:

body image, social validation, social comparision, body shaming, social media, adolescence, youth

Abstract

Introduction: Social media has become a central environment in the lives of adolescents and young people, shaping the construction of body image. This study examines concern about physical appearance in relation to social feedback—both positive (validation) and negative (body shaming)—as well as social comparison and its emotional effects. Methodology: A quantitative design was employed based on an online survey administered to a representative sample of 1,205 individuals aged 16 to 29 in Spain, stratified by gender and age. The analysis combines descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test). Results: More than 70% of participants report concern about their appearance, with higher levels among women. Digital validation influences self-presentation, leading to self-censorship behaviors and increasing concern about “likes” with age. Over 65% have experienced body shaming. Social comparison generates ambivalent emotional responses, with greater negative intensity among those aged 20 to 24. Discussion: Body image emerges as a relational phenomenon shaped by dynamics of visibility, evaluation, and comparison. Validation becomes progressively internalized, while body shaming operates as a mechanism of symbolic regulation. Social comparison shows an ambivalent character, with variations across age groups. Conclusions: The influence of social media extends beyond adolescence and intensifies during youth, particularly between ages 20 and 24. These findings highlight the need to promote critical digital literacy, body diversity, and emotional competencies to reduce dependence on external validation.

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Author Biographies

Tamara Vázquez-Barrio, Universidad San Pablo CEU

Professor of Journalism. Principal Investigator for the ThinkOnMedia Consolidated Research Group and the AlgorLit project. She has been recognized by CNEAI for two six-year periods of research. She is the Coordinator of the Doctoral Program in Social Communication at the CEINDO International Doctoral School and the scientific editor of the journal *Doxa Comunicación*. She has participated continuously in competitive research projects since 2004, serving as principal investigator on three of them, two of which were funded by the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation. Her research focuses on the uses, risks, and opportunities of the Internet and social media for young people and adolescents, media literacy, digital vulnerability, and political communication.

Laura Monteagudo-Barandalla, Universidad San Pablo CEU

Ph.D. cum laude in Social Communication and university professor specializing in digital communication, marketing, and technological environments. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at San Pablo CEU University and serves as International Academic Director at the Real Madrid University School – European University. Her research focuses on social media, digital culture, and media literacy, with a special emphasis on digital empowerment and communication practices in hyperconnected environments. She participates in research and educational innovation projects. She is a member of the ThinkOnMedia Research Group.

Ainhoa Torres-Sáez-de-Ibarra, Universidad San Pablo CEU

She holds a Ph.D. in Journalism and serves as director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Communication at San Pablo CEU University, where she also teaches. Her research focuses on social media, digital culture, and the impact of digital environments on youth, identity, and mental health, with a special emphasis on algorithms and artificial intelligence. She combines academic research with professional experience in digital strategy and communication, and is actively involved in educational innovation and interdisciplinary research. She is a member of the ThinkOnMedia Research Group.

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