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<p>This study analyzed the socio-psychological mechanisms driving the rise of the social trend of lookism, based on the concept of pluralistic ignorance. Using a cross-sectional design, this study investigated the misperception of peer attitudes toward lookism, the factors contributing to its emergence, and its impact on the eating behaviors of youth. The research examined a sample of 606 Chinese youth aged 18–30. Data were collected through questionnaires, with independent samples t-test and multistage regression analyses for data processing. The findings revealed that Chinese youth significantly overestimated their peers’ approval of lookism, demonstrating pluralistic ignorance (mean difference of 0.31, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, <i>t</i> = -17.489, <i>p</i> = 0.000, <i>Cohen’s d</i> = -1.42, <i>r</i> = 0.58). Social media content focused on physical appearance influenced this overestimation, while “fat talk” further reinforced it. This misperception of peer approval was associated with an increase in eating disorders among Chinese youth. These results highlight the need for targeted educational programs aimed at reducing lookism and its associated adverse impacts on eating behaviors.</p>

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Pluralistic ignorance of lookism among the Chinese youth: focusing on social media appearance content usage, appearance conversations, and eating disorders

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月2日

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  • Xiyao Yu,
  • Kun Zhou

摘要

This study analyzed the socio-psychological mechanisms driving the rise of the social trend of lookism, based on the concept of pluralistic ignorance. Using a cross-sectional design, this study investigated the misperception of peer attitudes toward lookism, the factors contributing to its emergence, and its impact on the eating behaviors of youth. The research examined a sample of 606 Chinese youth aged 18–30. Data were collected through questionnaires, with independent samples t-test and multistage regression analyses for data processing. The findings revealed that Chinese youth significantly overestimated their peers’ approval of lookism, demonstrating pluralistic ignorance (mean difference of 0.31, p < 0.001, t = -17.489, p = 0.000, Cohen’s d = -1.42, r = 0.58). Social media content focused on physical appearance influenced this overestimation, while “fat talk” further reinforced it. This misperception of peer approval was associated with an increase in eating disorders among Chinese youth. These results highlight the need for targeted educational programs aimed at reducing lookism and its associated adverse impacts on eating behaviors.