The Role of Social Media on Body Image and Self-Perception Among Young Sri Lankan Women

Abstract

This study examines the role of social media, particularly Instagram, in shaping body image and self-perception among Sri Lankan young women. Drawing on an intersectional feminist lens, the research explores how gender, race, class and cultural context interact to influence women's experiences of beauty standards and gender norms in digital spaces. A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews and social media content analysis to capture both personal experiences and the broader digital environment. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and themes in the data. The findings reveal that Instagram functions as a complex and contested space. First, it acts as a platform for social comparison, where participants frequently evaluate their appearance against idealized images. Second, the study highlights the persistence of racialized beauty ideals, particularly the privileging of lighter skin tones and Eurocentric features. Third, some participants reported developing greater acceptance of their natural bodies, although it was often shaped by economic and practical constraints. Finally, the study demonstrates the dual role of social media in both reinforcing traditional gender norms and promoting more empowering and egalitarian representations. Contributing to the limited literature on the impact of social media on body image and self-perception in the Sri Lankan context, this study highlights the importance of considering intersecting social factors. Overall, the findings emphasize that social media is not a neutral space but one where body image and self-perception are continuously shaped and negotiated.