TikTok Made Me do it: #75Hard

TikTok is one of many social media platforms that distribute entertainment videos to its users based on an interactive algorithm. It has an influential impact on the information individuals are exposed to, especially when it is a trending topic. These trending TikTok videos reach millions of viewers; one popular trend on this app is #75Hard. #75Hard is a restrictive fitness program emphasizing mental toughness, self-discipline, and strict diet and exercise routines. However, popular trends like this one can perpetuate unrealistic and unattainable goals that put people at risk for negative outcomes such as body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between viewing TikTok videos from the #75Hard trend and body image concerns. Participants (N=140) completed quantitative measures of body dissatisfaction before and after viewing a series of #75Hard videos. Results indicated that exposure to the videos significantly increased participants’ self-reported body dissatisfaction as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, t(133) =1.859, p=.033, d=.161. However, no significant changes were found for thin ideal internalization, t(135)=-.20, p=.422, d=-.02, muscular ideal internalization t(136)=-.61, p=.270, d=-.05, or overall body image satisfaction scales t(140) =.54, p=.295, d=.05. These findings suggest that short-term exposure to fitness-related TikTok trends like #75Hard might lead to small increases in body dissatisfaction but does not significantly alter internalization of thin/fit ideals. Findings of the present study underscore the need for more research on how social media trends, particularly those involving fitspiration content, spread among users, and whether repeated or prolonged exposure exacerbates body dissatisfaction. Future research should also investigate these trends in other demographic groups, such as men and the LGBTQ+ population.