The duplicated body: how the use of social networks is impacting preadolescents’ wellbeing

adults, there has been relatively little research on processes and effects of social media on preadolescents’ body image. Furthermore, there has been little theoretically driven research on the effects of the constant manipulation and dissemination of altered copies of the own body. Drawing on a phenomenological approach (Merleau-Ponty, 2013), the present paper articulates and comments the results of a study aimed at examining the influence of peer and media variables on body disaffection in 10- to 13-year-old preadolescents. The proposition that the use of altered virtual body images is linked with forms of body disaffection will be explored. In particular, the question turns to the extent to which body image dissatisfaction and disorder may be more salient among preadolescents who use social media to vehiculate altered images of their body with the view to obtain gratification and social recognition. In addition, a reflection on the new form of dualism between the virtual and the real body will be explored.