PHOTO EDITING BEHAVIOUR, COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS, AND DIGITAL APPEARANCE DISSATISFACTION AMONG GENERATION Z UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to explore the connection between photo editing behavior, cognitive distortions, and digital appearance dissatisfaction of university students of Generation Z in Pakistan. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design was used and the total population of 300 students (150 male and 150 female) was selected from Sialkot from public and private universities. Participants filled out a Photo Editing, Cognitive Distortions, and the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale. Pearson correlations revealed significant positive correlations between all three variables (r = .268 to .452, p< .01) and the highest correlation was between photo editing behaviour and digital appearance dissatisfaction. Similarly, when included in a hierarchical regression model, photo editing behaviour entered as a significant positive predictor of appearance related social media consciousness ΔR² = .132, p < .001. However, digital appearance dissatisfaction, but not photo editing behaviour or cognitive distortions, significantly varied between the types of university and systematically between the levels of daily social media use and frequency of photo editing. Results are considered in light of Self-Discrepancy Theory and Beck’s cognitive model, and implications for cognitive-behavioural intervention focusing on appearance-related distorted thoughts instead of just restricting screen-time.