Anxiety about looking beautiful was measured

In an academic study conducted by AU Lecturer Dr. Fahrettin Kayan, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the importance individuals give to their appearance on social media platforms, their awareness of using these platforms, and their digital representations. The article titled 'Social Media Awareness Scale' was published in AU Faculty of Communication Journal. In the study, a survey was conducted with more than 500 active social media users over the age of 18.

"EXTERIOR APPEARANCE PREPARATION BEFORE SHARING"

In the academic article, Dr. Kayan stated that a new measurement tool was developed on the identity presentation, appearance perception and psychological effects of social media, and that the level of awareness with which users use the platforms, how much care they take in their posts, and how filter and artificial intelligence-supported content find psychological responses were evaluated.

Dr. Kayan said, "The scale development process included dimensions such as frequency of social media use, use of filters, artificial intelligence-supported visual editing, appearance preparation before sharing, expectation of social approval, and the need for aesthetic interventions."

WOMEN ARE MORE ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Stating that women are more active in social media use, Dr. Kayan said, "As age increases, social media use decreases, but the level of awareness increases. While young users use social media for longer periods of time, this period decreases as they age. However, users use platforms more selectively and consciously. Female users have more intense appearance anxiety. Women use filters and artificial intelligence applications more frequently, and their desire to show themselves well and beautiful on social media is higher than male users."

"AS THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION INCREASES, SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS INCREASES"

Stating that education and income levels play an important role in the research, Dr. Kayan said, "As the level of education increases, social media awareness increases. University graduate users are more conscious on social media. While looking at the use of filters more critically, it is seen that appearance anxiety is more dominant in high school and secondary school graduates. As the income level decreases, appearance anxiety and digital intervention increase. Individuals in lower income groups tend to turn to filters, visual editors and artificial intelligence more."

"THE WAY WE EXPRESS OURSELVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA HAS CHANGED"

Kayan, who stated that they used 500 people at different levels while preparing the study, said, "People now care more about how they look on social media and how others see them. This points to an important transformation sociologically. People feel better with filters. However, this situation increases the level of anxiety. Sometimes it can go to the point of turning to aesthetic interventions. A user profile that takes pictures of themselves and evaluates their appearance instead of looking in the mirror has emerged."

"COMPANIES ALSO BENEFIT FROM THIS TRANSFORMATION"

Stating that the study contains data that will attract the attention of not only individuals but also digital marketing companies, Dr. Fahrettin Kayan said, "Companies also benefit from this transformation. Not only free filters, but also paid programs and digital aesthetic tools have an important place in this market."