Examining the Relationship Between Appreciation of Body Functionality and Perception of Aesthetics Using Social Media in the Digital Era

This study aimed to examine the relationship between body functionality and aesthetic perception levels of social media use. A total of 198 people, 122 women and 76 men, aged 18-59, participated in the research. As a data collection tool; “Demographic Information Form”, “Body Functionality Appreciation Scale (BFAS)” and “Aesthetic Procedure Perception Scale on Social Media (APPSSM)” were used. In findings; participants use Instagram (73,7 %) the most among social media platforms. Participants' appreciation of body functionality was at a low level (28.78±5.21); the need for aesthetic procedures on social media was at a high level (18.77±7.06). In comparison analysis; the perception of having aesthetic procedures on social media is significantly higher in women. Those who use social media for 3-6 hours have significantly higher scores in the "need for change" sub-dimension of APPSSM compared to those who use social media for 0-3 hours. A significant, negative and weak correlational relationship was detected between the need for change and visibility sub-dimensions and body functionality appreciation. BFAS and APPSSM scores didn’t show significant differences according to age groups. It is aimed that the study serves as a resource for future studies in the field of social media use and body perception-functionality.