This study aimed to explore the experiences of recreational bodybuilding participants in using social networking services (SNS) and to examine the meanings these experiences held for them. The research questions guiding this study were: “What kinds ...
This study aimed to explore the experiences of recreational bodybuilding participants in using social networking services (SNS) and to examine the meanings these experiences held for them. The research questions guiding this study were: “What kinds of experiences do recreational bodybuilding participants have when using SNS?” and “What meanings do recreational bodybuilding participants assign to their use of SNS?”
To achieve these objectives, a phenomenological research method was employed, specifically Giorgi’s (1985) descriptive phenomenological approach, which enabled an in-depth understanding of the participants’ experiences and the meanings behind them. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants who could provide rich and relevant information. A total of five participants were selected, all of whom had been engaged in bodybuilding for at least two years and were actively using SNS for bodybuilding-related purposes.
In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured and open-ended questions to encourage participants to articulate their experiences through concrete examples and personal narratives. Data analysis followed Giorgi’s phenomenological method, resulting in the identification of four main components and thirteen sub-components related to the participants’ experiences of using SNS, and four main components and nine sub-components related to the meanings of those experiences.
The four main components of SNS usage experiences among recreational bodybuilding participants were: “Experiences of acquiring information,” “Experiences of motivation,” “Experiences of connecting with others,” and “Experiences of recording and showcasing the body.” Participants reported gaining not only knowledge about exercise and nutrition but also information about competitions and equipment. They also experienced personal motivation through various types of content encountered on SNS, formed connections with other recreational bodybuilding participants, and utilized SNS to document and promote their physical progress.
The four main constituents concerning the meanings of SNS usage were: “A platform to showcase one’s physique,” “A constant source of self-discipline,” “A companion in a solitary journey,” and “A mirror reflecting a positive self-image.” Although some participants reported feeling psychological pressure due to comparison with others, most found positive meaning in displaying their achievements, gaining motivation through comparisons, and forming social connections.
These findings suggest that recreational bodybuilding participants actively engage with SNS for diverse reasons and in various ways, and that such engagement has notable psychological implications. Given the limited body of research on SNS usage among recreational bodybuilding participants in the field of health and exercise psychology, this study contributes to academic understanding in this area. Moreover, findings such as “strengthening workout commitment through videos” and “making promises to oneself through SNS” highlight the role of SNS as a tool for maintaining exercise adherence. Future quantitative or intervention-based studies are recommended to empirically validate these effects, and the development of methodological guidelines for effective SNS usage may serve as a foundation for promoting exercise adherence among the general public.