<![CDATA[The increasing use of visual social media, such as Instagram, has influenced how individuals evaluate their physical appearance. Exposure to idealized body images on social media can encourage social comparison, which may lead to body dissatisfaction. This study tested whether peer appearance culture moderates the relationship between social comparison and body dissatisfaction among young adult Instagram users. This research employed a quantitative correlational design. Participants were 100 young adults aged 18–25 years who actively used Instagram. Data were collected using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34), Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R), and Peer Appearance Culture Measurement. We analyzed the data using multiple linear regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The results showed that social comparison had a significant positive effect on body dissatisfaction. However, peer appearance culture did not significantly influence body dissatisfaction (p = 0.409) and did not moderate the relationship between social comparison and body dissatisfaction, as indicated by a non-significant interaction effect (p = 0.755). The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.452) indicates that the independent variables explain 45.2% of the variance in body dissatisfaction. These findings highlight the central role of social comparison in shaping body dissatisfaction, while future studies should examine the internalization of beauty standards as an alternative moderating variable. Keywords: body dissatisfaction, emerging adulthood, Instagram, peer appearance culture, social comparison]]>
