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How social media can 'trigger' eating disorders in young people
Social media influences young people towards eating disorders by glorifying thinness and spreading harmful dietary advice. Experts highlight a worrying rise in disorders like anorexia and bulimia, particularly among young women, with a global prevalence increase from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018, coinciding with social media's growth.
Key points
- Social media glorifies thinness and shares dangerous diet advice.
- Vulnerable young people, especially women, are particularly affected.
- There is a noted increase in eating disorders among men as well.
- Global rates of eating disorders rose from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018, correlating with the rise of social media.
Why it matters
- The increase in eating disorders highlights concerns about mental health related to social media usage.
- Recent IT trends involve greater scrutiny and regulation of social media platforms regarding harmful content.
- The growing focus on health and wellness online poses challenges and responsibilities for content creators and influencers.
The correlation between social media and the rise in eating disorders underscores the need for awareness and proactive measures to protect vulnerable youth from harmful influences.