#fitspo on Instagram: A mixed methods approach using Netlytic and photo analysis, uncovering the online discussion and author/image characteristics
The #fitspo 'tag' is a recent trend on Instagram, which is used on posts to motivate others towards a healthy lifestyle through exercise/eating habits. This study used a mixed methods approach consisting of text and network analysis via the Netlytic program (N 10,000 #fitspo posts) and content analysis of #fitspo images (N 122) was used to examine author and image characteristics. Results suggest that #fitspo posts may motivate through appearance mediated themes, as the largest content categories (based on the associated text) were 'feeling good' and 'appearance' Furthermore, #fitspo posts may create peer influence/support as personal (opposed to non personal) accounts were associated with higher popularity of images (i.e. number of likes/followers) Finally, most images contained posed individuals with some degree of objectification.
Journal of health psychology