“Antes y después” en redes sociales

Narrativas de transformación física y su impacto en los hábitos alimentarios y percepción corporal

Authors

Abstract

This study explores the impact of visual testimonials depicting body transformations, particularly “before and after” images, on users’ eating habits, body perception, and critical thinking on social media. Using a qualitative methodology based on 12 focus groups with 80 participants segmented by age, gender, and level of physical activity, the study addresses three goals: assessing the suitability of social media to promote healthy eating, identifying trustworthy profiles to disseminate such messages, and analyzing the effects of testimonial content. Results reveal an ambivalent perception: while some users feel inspired, most report negative consequences such as frustration, body pressure, information overload, and unrealistic expectations. Participants demand greater scientific rigor, ethical regulation, and more inclusive body representations. The study concludes that, although social media platforms have the potential to support healthy behaviors, it is necessary to develop communicative and regulatory strategies to enhance their educational function and mitigate harmful impacts.

Author Biographies

Renata Canevari-Modernel, Universidad Internacional de la Rioja

Renata Canevari Modernel is PhD in Communication (Cum Laude) and Associate Professor at Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, specializing in Transmedia Communication, Advertising Design, and Digital Marketing. Her professional experience blends creative direction, teaching, and research in design, communication, and social media, with a strong focus on ethics. She is a member of the COYSODI Research Group (UNIR). Her current research explores the ethical implications of AI in university education, audience behavior on social media platforms like X, and the digital presence of the 50+ population on social networks.

Arantxa Vizcaíno-Verdú, Universidad Internacional de la Rioja

Arantxa Vizcaíno-Verdú is PhD in Communication and Associate Professor at the Universidad Internacional de la Rioja. Her academic background and professional experience combine communication, advertising, and media literacy. She is a Key Regional Leader of the TikTok Cultures Research Network, and Section Editor & Social Media Manager for the Revista Mediterránea de Comunicación. She is also member of the COYSODI research group (UNIR), external collaborator of the COMPUBES group (UA), and alumnus of the IERLab. Her work explores media literacy and the dynamics of digital culture, focusing on how children and young people engage with user-generated content, influencers, and participatory storytelling across digital platforms.

Beatriz Feijoo, Universidad Villanueva

Beatriz Feijoo holds a PhD in Communication and degrees in Advertising and Public Relations and in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Vigo. Her research focuses on advertising literacy and the digital education of minors. Her work examines how children and adolescents navigate commercial persuasion in digital environments and how these experiences shape their consumption values and well-being. he is currently an Associate Professor at Universidad Villanueva (Madrid) and President of the Infancia y Comunicación Association.

Jesús Díaz-Campo, Universidad Internacional de la Rioja

Jesús Díaz-Campo is PhD in Journalism. He is Deputy Vice-Rector of Research, Vice-Director of the Doctoral School and Professor at Universidad Internacional of La Rioja. Previously, Secretary of the Research Ethics Committee at Universidad Internacional de la Rioja. He is the director of COYSODI Research Group IUNIR). His academic background focuses on Social Media and Journalism, Media Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Health Communication

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Published

2025-12-09

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 41 (2025): Estudos em Comunicação

Section

Artigos

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