#HEALTHYLIVING: SOCIAL MEDIA COMPARISONS REGARDING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

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2017-04-04

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Abstract

The current study investigated the relationship between health-related-posts on social media and health-related behaviors. Participants (n = 91) were recruited to view one of four researcher-created Facebook profiles, which varied on exercise/health behaviors and alcohol use. They completed a variety of measures assessing aspects pertaining to health-related behaviors, such as locus of control and social physique anxiety, as well as intent to exercise and consume alcohol in the near future. They were then instructed to bring the questionnaire to a second researcher one floor above and it was noted whether or not the participant took the stairs. Results suggest that individuals who viewed the fit profile were more likely to take the elevator, if they had a high locus of control. There was no difference in intent to exercise or drink alcohol among those who viewed differing profiles.

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Keywords

Social media, Alcohol use, Exercise, Social Physique Anxiety, Locus of Control

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