Appearance-related interactions with peers, both positive and negative, are commonplace on social media. Using qualitative methods, this study explores U.K. adolescents’ shared understandings and experiences of these interactions. Sixty-four adolescents (Age M = 12.56; SD = 0.97; Girls = 33) from a secondary school in Northern England participated in semi-structured focus groups. Using thematic analysis, three themes were developed that encapsulate their shared understandings of appearance-related interactions: (a) positive appearance commentary is the norm, especially if you are popular and attractive; (b) comments to others should be positive, but comments about the self should be modest and self-deprecating; and (c) negative appearance comments are problematic but not always intentionally harmful. Overall, our findings suggest that, to adolescents, the boundaries between positive and negative interactions are blurred, as content, intention, gender, and social rules intersect with social media platform design. Further research is needed to better understand how social media site design alters adolescents’ appearance interactions, as well as the role of these interactions in the development and maintenance of peer relationships and body image concerns.

与同龄人的外表相关的互动，无论是积极的还是消极的，在社交媒体上都很常见。本研究使用定性方法探索英国青少年对这些互动的共同理解和体验。64 名青少年（年龄 M = 12.56；SD = 0.97；女孩）= 33) 来自英格兰北部的一所中学参加了半结构化的焦点小组。使用主题分析，开发了三个主题，概括了他们对与外表相关的互动的共同理解：(a) 积极的外表评论是常态，特别是如果你很受欢迎和有吸引力；(b) 对他人的评论应该是正面的，但对自己的评论应该是谦虚和自嘲的；(c) 负面的外表评论是有问题的，但并不总是故意有害的。总的来说，我们的研究结果表明，对于青少年来说，积极和消极互动之间的界限是模糊的，因为内容、意图、性别和社会规则与社交媒体平台设计相交。