Self-Expression and Psychological Experiences of Female Pilates Participants through Social Media: Based on Media Lookism

The purpose of this study is to examine the self-expression of female Pilates participants through social media (SNS) activities, which are both socially and culturally significant, and to analyze the impact of body exhibition among these women on social media, based on media lookism. The study includes six participants who have been practicing Pilates consistently for over a year and who regularly post images of their bodies on SNS. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Giorgi's (1985) four-step phenomenological research method. The results are as follows: First, female Pilates participants fulfill their social desires for recognition and motivation through positive body perception via body exhibition on social media. Second, women who engage in body exhibition experience subjective well-being and satisfaction through positive feedback on social media. Third, the body exhibition of female Pilates participants leads to addictive behaviors, causing negative effects. Fourth, women who are active on social media are exposed to various crimes related to personal information leakage. This study aims to analyze the diverse impacts and psychological aspects of body exhibition among female Pilates participants on SNS. Through this analysis, the study seeks to provide essential foundational data for considering the sociocultural implications and exploring possible improvements.