The Relationship Between Social Media Use Intensity, Body Image, and Bullying Behavior Among Vocational High School Students: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46799/adv.v4i10.706Keywords:
Social media intensity, Body image, Bullying behavior, Cyberbullying, Adolescents, Bibliometric analysis, Systematic reviewAbstract
Social media has reshaped peer interactions and perceptions of physical appearance among adolescents, raising concerns about body dissatisfaction and bullying. However, evidence regarding the relationships among these experiences remains fragmented, particularly among vocational high school students. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the relationships among social media use intensity, body image, and bullying involvement while mapping the development and thematic structure of the relevant literature. A systematic review and bibliometric analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Publications from January 2022 to May 2025 were identified through searches of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Fifty-two studies were included, critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, and synthesized narratively. Bibliometric mapping was performed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. The findings indicated that intensive and appearance-focused social media use was associated with greater body dissatisfaction through social comparison and the internalization of appearance ideals. Negative body image was also associated with bullying victimization, while digital environments facilitated harmful peer interactions, including cyberbullying. Bibliometric analysis identified interconnected research themes involving social media, body image, cyberbullying, and mental health. Nevertheless, heterogeneity in measurement approaches and the predominance of cross-sectional study designs limited causal inference, while evidence specifically concerning vocational high school students remained insufficient. The review concluded that integrated approaches combining digital literacy, positive body image promotion, and bullying prevention should be considered in school settings. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine contextual differences and directly test the proposed psychological pathways linking social media use, body image, and bullying involvement among adolescents.
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