Looking down on Others to Feel Good about the Self: The Exposure Effects of Online Model Pictures on Men’s Self-Esteem

ABSTRACT

This study examined how exposure to online pictures of male models with different body sizes (thin, overweight) and physical attractiveness levels (attractive, unattractive) affected men’s self-esteem (appearance- and weight-related self-esteem). Men exposed to attractive model pictures showed lower appearance-related self-esteem compared with those exposed to unattractive models. Among participants who were exposed to overweight models, those who were exposed to attractive models showed lower appearance- and weight-related self-esteem compared with those exposed to unattractive models. Men who saw themselves as more attractive or thinner than the models showed higher appearance- or weight-related self-esteem. The results imply a downward social comparison effect in which men reported higher self-esteem when exposed to model pictures they found less attractive or heavier compared with themselves.