Social media is one of the most excellent tools of communication we have invented, able to connect people from all over the world on platforms where millions are able to share their thoughts and feelings. Although it is undoubtedly a great tool, it can also often wreak havoc in the minds of young and impressionable audiences, particularly those who are vulnerable to the influence of celebrities and the (often fake) versions of people we see online.
Some people have recalled developing eating disorders because of the unhealthy and unrealistic beauty standards seen on the internet. However, social media alone is hardly ever the sole cause of the development of an eating disorder, many things we see can influence the development of not only eating disorders but also play a role in the development of other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Eating disorders are characterized by disturbed eating patterns and habits, which usually influence a person’s mental and physical health. In the majority of cases, eating disorders are developed due to overthinking (anxiety regarding a person’s body weight), body shape insecurities, and food. A drastic alteration in eating behavior often results in malnutritional, people becoming under/overweight, and other issues in the body. They can develop at any age, but they are the most common in teens and young adults, which underlines the influence of social media. Additionally, tons of people in that age group use social media:
- 69% of US adults use Facebook
- 73% of US adults use YouTube
- 75% of 18-24-year-olds use Instagram
- 73% of 18-24-year-olds use Snapchat
It is important to highlight that many pictures on the internet are altered and edited, which often creates unrealistic standards for young people. Many people edit their bodies and faces in pictures they post, which is very damaging for the people who compare themselves to them. The people in the pictures aren’t real, though people expect them to be. Additionally, social media has evolved to be a way to share the “best” versions of people, meaning every image that is posted is curated and picked out. The lives of people that are seen on social media are not reflective of their entire life, but the misconception that it is is very harmful to many kinds of audiences, especially young people who are impressionable and naïve.
A recent study that was conducted on middle school students raised the possibility that spending too much time on social media can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. The study focused on the use of four social media platforms: Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Tumblr, which are very photo-based platforms; it found that teenagers and young adults sometimes put too much focus on how they are perceived and viewed in the online world. This makes them hyper-conscious of their body weight, body shape, calorie intake, and exercise.
In general, it is important to follow a few rules when on social media platforms, including being careful who you follow, and not being afraid to unfollow people if you notice that their posts may be triggering to you. People often say that the internet is too sensitive and that real-life “doesn’t have a trigger warning,’ but on platforms where it is possible to choose who you follow, being mindful is important, especially if you know you are susceptible to disordered eating habits.
While eating disorders are not caused only by social media, it can certainly influence young audiences, especially during these times, when our platforms are dominated by children and teenagers.
Resources:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/healthyschools/topics/mental/eating.html
https://socialmediavictims.org/mental-health/eating-disorders/
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Eating-Disorders-and-Social-Media.aspx
EAC PRESS 