Table 1 Overview of 115 VFIs’ bodies-related data collection

Age

⋅ We collected all cases where their exact age was shown through Instagram profiles or interviews, and cases where the age group could be estimated through posted images

⋅ In most cases, their age does not change over time, but indicates the persistent age even if their age is disclosed accurately

⋅ The influencers were divided based on age groups such as the 10 s, the 20 s, and 30 s, owing to the wide range of age groups from the youngest, a 6-month-old baby, to older figures in their 80 s (currently the death status was also set)

Gender

⋅ As there was almost no case where gender was indicated separately on their Instagram profile, gender is judged by body shape and fashion style

⋅ However, if the subject was non-binary subject and this was emphasized in their profile or revealed in an interview, gender was classified non-binary

⋅ If gender-neutrality was actively oriented regarding fashion style, gender classification was not applied, but gender-neutrality style data was collected as separate information

⋅ As for body classifications such as age, gender, and race, gender was the only item in which fashion style indicated both a social sign and a biological basis

⋅ Classifications were based on three types: female/male/non-binary

Race

⋅ There were no cases of race being indicated on Instagram profiles, so race was judged based on information such as place of origin, face shape, and skin color

⋅ Classifications were based on five types: white/black/Asian/Hispanic/mixed race

Region

⋅ In most cases, their current activity area or region of origin was indicated through their Instagram profile or an interview

⋅ In many cases, the region was indicated in the post

⋅ In many cases, both the country and city were specifically indicated

⋅ In the case of cities, most of them were large cities with a global reputation

Regions such as Los Angeles, New York, London, Moscow, Tokyo, and Seoul were frequently found

⋅ Classifications were based on Europe/ Middle East/ Asia/ Australia/ North America/ Central and South America/ Africa

Others

⋅ By profession, many of them were fashion models, “hand models,” or “fitness trainers.” Most had an “ideal” appearance according to societal standards