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Abstract

The overall aim of the research was to explore to what extent representations of female ‘fitness influencers’ onInstagram have affected young women’s experiences within a mixed-gendered gym in a post-modern society. This topic is timely and important due to the rise of ‘instafame’ and social media influencers, who “monetise their personal image: through self-branding” (Khamis et al, 2017,  p.203). There is evidence surrounding the detrimental effects of exposure to thin idealised media  images and women comparing themselves to unrealistic images, resulting in body dissatisfaction  (Brown & Tiggemann, 2020, p.190). Therefore, this rise in Instagram influencers is essential for  discussing how they can affect young females' experiences within the gym: an environment  surrounded by social comparison (Festinger, 1954). A qualitative study was undertaken by selecting  nine young females from Portsmouth and London aged between 18 and 21 via convenience  sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used along with photo-elicitation, where participants  were presented with two Instagram posts from female fitness influencers with a high following. The  findings revealed that participants were affected by fitness influencers in contrasting ways. Young  females understand the damaging effects of fitspiration imagery, yet fitness influencers have  motivated women to alter their traditional gym routines. The study concluded that fitness  influencers have encouraged young women to disrupt the gym-gender divide and gender power  relations within the gym environment. In this way, fitness influencers have provided young women  with knowledge, understanding and confidence in the weighted section of the gym, where males  dominate. Further research is needed to explore a more diverse sample of participants, in terms of  gender, ethnicity, sexuality, location and ability. Future research could further address whether gym goers feel they should be adhering to gender expectations whilst consuming at the gym. 

 

Course: Sociology and Media - BSc (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2024-01-25

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14326.html