Abstract
The presence of TikTok as a social media platform provides a space for emerging adults to engage in visual expression and self-impression management. This phenomenon prompted a study examining the relationship between body image and online self-presentation among emerging adult TikTok users in Bekasi City. This study utilized a quantitative approach with a non-experimental correlational design and a cross-sectional framework (one-shot study), where data collection was conducted at a single point in time via online questionnaires. The subjects of this study were emerging adults aged 18–25 residing in Bekasi City who actively use TikTok. The research instruments were measured using a body image scale and an online self-presentation scale. The results of the Spearman Rank correlation analysis indicated no significant relationship between body image and online self-presentation (r = 0,059, p = 0,397). This finding suggests that individuals' evaluation of their body image does not dictate how emerging adults present themselves on TikTok. The absence of a significant relationship is influenced by the content-centric ecosystem of TikTok (which emphasizes creativity and entertainment over mere physical aesthetics), the presence of editing features (beauty filters) serving as a psychological buffer, and the developmental focus of emerging adulthood that prioritizes identity exploration and social participation.