Abstract
This dissertation explores the experiences of men and the influence of fitspiration content on men’s body image and fitness behaviours. Fitspiration is a social media trend that aims to inspire its consumers to lead and live a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and dieting. The content contains images and video clips of people exercising, healthy meal recipes and idealised body images such as a muscular body. This study aims to understand how this fitness-related content on social media shapes men’s perceptions of their bodies and fitness goals. Through a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 male participants from a gym in Auckland Park, the research investigates the types of social media fitness content (textual, video, or image-based) consumed and their subsequent impact on body image satisfaction, motivation, and engagement in fitness activities for men. The findings of the study suggest that the frequent consumption of fitspiration content can foster both positive and negative body image perceptions. While some men find motivation and inspiration to improve their fitness, others experience pressure and dissatisfaction due to comparisons with idealised body images. Despite these findings, the study faces limitations, including a small, localised sample and the subjective nature of qualitative interviews. The social impact of fitness related content on men’s body image is that it can lead to widespread body dissatisfaction as men compare themselves to unrealistic portrayed body image online. Socially, this pressure can encourage men to adopt extreme fitness routines. While social media fitness communities can offer support, they can also reinforce high body standards such as aiming for more muscular body, amplifying body image issues on a broader societal scale. The social impact of the recommendations is that the focus should be on fostering a healthier, more realistic representation of male body image on social media.