Social media includes many websites and apps that allow users to post and interact with others digitally. They give people the chance to connect to others across the globe, no matter the distance [2]. Many popular forms of social media use an algorithm to personalize the content shown to users and show posts that users interact with frequently. As a result, it is easy for one person to spread information across thousands, even millions of other users. This information may or may not be verified or supported with facts, and could even be blatantly incorrect.
This is common with people asking for advice with health-related issues, especially with physical and nutritional health. If one were to merely search up “fitness” or “health” on a platform like TikTok or Instagram, they would be bombarded with posts on tips to lose weight, eat better, look healthier, and more. It is intimidating, even more so for those who cannot afford an appointment with a specialist who can give them verified dietary advice. The access to information which is married to access to the internet is overwhelming and may cause people to trust the first thing they see that sounds reasonable. The problem with this, however, is the bias that often permeates this information.
The vast majority of teenagers and young people use social media [1], especially in the United States of America, and they are a target for those that try to spread misinformation for their own gain. This – combined with how little effort it takes for one to spread information on social media – can have negative effects on the eating habits of young people. One of these is the increased prevalence of eating disorders. There have been plenty of papers and studies that show a link between body image and social media [1]. This happens because any user can convince others that they are only healthy if they look a certain way, which then generates guilt when eating. Alternatively, unhealthy eating habits can be learned from what celebrities post on social media [1]. They may praise a certain fad diet that ultimately has no scientifically proven benefits. It is too easy for people to say anything that the site allows, and this may lead to people, young and old, to unintentionally harm their bodies with poor diet advice that they believe is reliable.
Despite this, social media has been used for positive impacts on eating as well. Sure, social media can be easily flooded with misinformation. However, it is possible for some information to be true and helpful so long as viewers take the time to do their own research. Some studies have shown that social media platforms, especially those with platforms that allow for easy discussion and text communication, have caused an increase in eating healthier foods [2]. This is especially true with vegetables and other food groups that many people may be lacking in their diets. However, this trend does not extend to decreasing consumption of unhealthy foods and drink [2].
Knowing these benefits and harms of social media, one might begin to wonder what to do. This is especially true for those pursuing or working in the medical field, since social media can be used to their advantage. For the rest of us, however, it is best to do extra research and validate the claims of social media posts. Alternatively, reaching out to medical professionals or, if possible, a nutritionist or other specialist is a great way to get verified information. As for individuals involved with the medical field, there are many ways that this phenomenon can be countered. For one, there are many individuals who also take to social media to verify other posts or create their own.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s website provides a document of guidelines for medical professionals who are looking to spread better information [3]. These guidelines give helpful advice for bringing up the topic of healthy eating and what it truly looks like, as well as how to approach it in a helpful way [3]. It is important to be open-minded with these conversations to avoid misunderstandings. Due to the shame people experience related to their eating habits on social media [1], primarily those who do not fit the standards of a “healthy body” due to their size, it is crucial that these conversations allow for honest communication.
Knowing this, what should be done in the future? Whether you are looking to pursue the medical field or are merely a concerned individual, it is incredibly important that all information is taken from a valid source. Misinformation hurts the medical field, and it is best to encourage others to find a better source if they have the resources and means to do so. Also, users looking to post their own dietary advice on social media should also double-check their information to help prevent these problems at source.
Edited by: Wendy House
Designed By: Haynes Lewis
References:
[1] Hashim, S., & Pachisia, J. A Comprehensive Review on The Influence of Social Media on Eating Habits.
[2] Hsu, M. S. H., Rouf, A., & Allman-Farinelli, M. (2018). Effectiveness and Behavioral Mechanisms of Social Media Interventions for Positive Nutrition Behaviors in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 63(5), 531–545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.06.009
[3] DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS. (2015). https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/DGA_Conversation-Starters.pdf
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