Memorable Messages Concerning Body Image: Examining Source and Channel

Abstract

Abstract In an individual’s life there are messages that have a lasting impact and change the individual’s perspective of themselves or the world. Memorable messages research has shown how impactful a single message can be, yet there is a lack of empirical research examining how two major components of memorable message, source and channel, can impact message reception. This study asked participants (n = 113) for memorable messages that has impacted their body image the most. This study asked participants to recall and self-report the source, channel and content of their memorable message, then evaluate the message’s impact using self-esteem and body appreciation measures. This study hypothesized that social media influencers will be sources of memorable messages. The hypothesis was supported; participants identified sources that they did not personally know (SMI/celebrities). Additionally, this study explicitly examined what channels were being used when receiving memorable messages and if social media was channel that individuals could receive memorable messages through. It was found that face-to-face was the channel used most to receive memorable messages; this study added to memorable message research by showing that social media can also be a channel used to receive memorable messages. Message content was coded into seven different themes (health, appearance, weight, warnings, body’s ability, encouragement and fitness). This study hypothesized that there will be messages containing body positivity. This study added to memorable message research by finding that there were memorable messages containing body positivity. Keywords: memorable messages, source, channel, body positivity