Archive — JP — japantimes
How social media can 'trigger' eating disorders in young people
Experts warn that social media can trigger eating disorders in vulnerable youth by promoting unrealistic body standards and harmful nutritional advice, with the prevalence of such disorders rising from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018, especially among young women, but increasingly affecting men too.
Key points
- Social media glorifies thinness and unhealthy dieting tips, affecting vulnerable young people.
- Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, primarily affecting young women and girls.
- Research shows the global prevalence of eating disorders increased from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018.
- The rise in eating disorders coincides with the growth of social media platforms.
Why it matters
- The increasing prevalence of eating disorders may reflect shifts in societal trends towards body image caused by the digital age.
- The rise of influencer culture on platforms like Instagram and TikTok has parallels with historical instances of media impact on body image.
- By 2025, addressing mental health issues linked to social media is expected to be a priority in public health and IT strategies.
The influence of social media on eating disorders highlights urgent mental health concerns, necessitating a collective response to protect vulnerable youth and promote healthy body image.