Weight-Loss Communities and Risk on Adolescents

Online Communities and Affect on Adolescents

Research widely recognizes that traditional media types, such as print papers and television, push body types inaccessible to the general population; while still harmful, they are easier to ignore. With the rise in the necessity of cell phones, with 95% of teenagers having access to one, and 45% reporting using it with high frequency, the access to unrealistic body types and diet culture has risen (Saul et al., 2022). Researchers found that many online media forms, mainly social ones, contain several features that foster eating disorder (ED) attitudes and behaviors. Social media sites, namely Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, are visually oriented and used chiefly by youth. Adolescents spend hours developing and editing to curate “aesthetic” photos or “the perfect TikTok” inspired by friends or popular influencers, with a close examination of all. Saul et al. explain that female adolescents who spend more time editing their photos report higher body dissatisfaction and dieting levels; however, for young women in ED recovery, social media use and selfie behaviors have multiple motivations and can be helpful and hurtful in recovery. (2022) Regarding a mixed-gender sample, their meta-analytic findings noted self-reported ED symptoms in adolescents with increased self-photo investment and manipulation. 

The more a person spends time online, the more their online experience is tailored to them. So, a person googling photo-editing apps, healthy diets, or inquiring about a healthy weight for themselves will often get related content across their media platforms (Saul et al., 2022). Influencers frequently post their diets and gym habits or sell products. Clicking on the site or engaging with their content can increase the likelihood of seeing it again, constantly reinstating the over-analyzation of the physical self in multiple arenas. Algorithms on said sites create an echo chamber of thoughts, and researchers found a vast increase in ED and self-harm content suggested on TikTok when accounts liked a few videos in relation(Klepper, 2022). Those seeking help or a community connection may unintentionally arrive at online content encouraging ED behaviors. Even account names impacted the algorithm, with ones containing variations of “lose weight” having similar or more destructive content pushed (Klepper, 2022). Societally, the presentation of one’s body is assumed to indicate one’s health amongst all genders (too thin=unealthy, thin=healthy, not thin= unhealthy), as the expectation of society is excess monitoring over their health, warranted or not (Sheppard & Ricciardelli, 2023).
Additionally, people are subject to surveillance of said “health” from outside sources, with thinness being the most significant indicator; women and young girls are often the most subject to this scrutiny, turning their bodies into projects that consume all aspects of life. It is regarded as usual for adolescent females to begin dieting and exercising, all to “maintain” or “achieve” the desired aesthetic; toned but curvy, muscular yet still thin. Many young girls seek community support and find “thinspiration,” weight loss, or fitness blogs to motivate them to achieve their desired body type, meaning this content often dominates their media. Across these types of pages, though varied in content, themes of extreme planning, controlled food intake, and that happiness depends on one’s physical appearance occurred (Sheppard & Ricciardelli, 2023). Further, those posting the content revealed higher ED behavioral symptoms (Saul et al., 2022). Most research regarding the link between ED behaviors and the promotion of weight-loss apps, content, and diets is minimal and correlational. It is unclear whether they facilitate ED behaviors or appeal to those already experiencing ED symptoms. (Saul et al., 2022) Said research has primarily focused on young adults, but the likelihood of this also affecting younger groups is significant. 

Ultimately, users engaging in applications such as Instagram, with increased emotional investment in their self-image and photo taking and editing, are at a greater risk of developing an ED (Saul et al., 2022). Adolescents rely heavily on the online world for social and external validation, looking to their peers and revered celebrities as guidelines for their personal development; they are still defining their image, making that a high priority and them at increased risk for ED development. While correlational, current studies suggest that reducing social media use may have a short-term positive effect on adolescents’ body image (Reducing Social Media Use Significantly Improves Body Image in Teens, Young Adults, 2023). In essence, regarding causations and preventative strategies, more research is needed; however, conversations about healthy body image and healthy social media use are worthwhile.