The Impact Of Social Media On Eating Disorders
It’s impossible to escape social media nowadays. So much of our lives have become entwined with it—we shop, talk to friends and family, and creatively express and promote ourselves online. However, researchers are now finding the many complex links between social media use and mental health issues, particularly eating disorders.
Idealized beauty standards
One of the biggest concerns with social media’s effect on us is how it perpetuates an idealized body image. As users, we’re bombarded with images of influencers and celebrities showcasing what society deems the “perfect body.” This perfect body is usually thin and adheres to Western beauty standards.
Social media also fuels the idea that new mothers should be able to “bounce back” right after giving birth, and that surgical procedures such as lip filler and Botox are normal (and even expected). But in reality, we’re not seeing the full picture since many posts, including videos, are digitally altered.
This constant bombardment of how to achieve the “perfect body” leads to distorted ideas about the bodies we’re actually living in. It’s hard to keep up with that unachievable standard.
Constant comparison to others
Social media is all about comparison. Whether you follow friends, celebrities, or influencers, you’re probably comparing your life to theirs. Unfortunately, your life probably doesn’t measure up to people who are rich and famous, which is why social media can have harmful effects on mental health. This culture of constant comparison can be particularly damaging for those vulnerable to eating disorders.
Celebrities look thin and put together at all times. Fitness gurus have tens of thousands of followers. Even friends and family look more picture-perfect than they do in real life. This creates an incessant need to measure up to the unrealistic ideals of strangers and loved ones, leading to unhealthy eating and exercise habits.
“Thinspo” and pro-ED communities
The internet is a place where people with any niche interest can form a community—and eating disorders are no exception. People who advocate for disordered eating behaviors are often referred to as “thinspiration” or “pro-ana” (pro-anorexia) and “pro-mia” (pro-bulimia) communities. On platforms like TikTok, Tumblr, and Instagram, users can share tips, tricks, and encouragement for maintaining disordered eating habits. Even when these platforms actively discourage these types of pro-eating disorder posts, users still find ways to skirt the filters and banned tags by creating new in-group lingo. These toxic communities create a dangerous echo chamber that normalizes harmful behaviors.
The role of cyberbullying
In addition to the internal struggles that social media can trigger, cyberbullying can be an external pressure that further worsens an eating disorder. This is particularly an issue for tweens and teens, whose social landscape extends beyond school to the internet when they get home. Because of social media, bullies can have even more of an effect on a kid’s life. Negative comments, body-shaming, and online harassment can significantly impact self-esteem and contribute to harmful eating habits.
Is social media having an impact on your eating habits?
If you’ve been struggling with loving and accepting your body lately, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’ve noticed yourself engaging in unhealthy eating habits, like restricting calories or bingeing. If so, don’t wait to talk to a therapist or mental health professional. In therapy, you’ll learn the root of the struggles with your body image and disordered eating. You’ll also learn healthy ways of coping with stress that don’t involve food, as well as how to appreciate your body and develop high self-esteem.
To find out more about how therapy can help those struggling with eating disorders, please reach out to us for eating disorder therapy.
