Social media and eating disorders: The link and practical tips

There is no single cause of eating disorders. However, research suggests that social media may sometimes be a contributing factor, as some content on social media platforms can promote thinness and reinforce body image concerns.

Although individuals can use social media in a variety of positive ways, like finding community and connecting with loved ones, social media use can contribute to mental health difficulties. Sometimes, these difficulties include eating disorders.

This article looks at possible links between social media and eating disorders, and provides tips on how to take a social media break. It also discusses when a person should contact a doctor.

Eating disorders involve disrupted eating behaviors, such as undereating or binge eating, and often include weight and body image concerns. Common types include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa.

Researchers estimate that the global prevalence of eating disorders has increased significantly in the past decade, from 3.5% to 7.8%.

Studies suggest that social media use may be contributing to this increase, particularly in adolescents.

Adolescents are at especially high risk of developing eating disorders, and also tend to engage with social media more than other groups. A 2018 report showed that 70% of adolescents in the United States used social media daily, and 38% of them checked these sites multiple times per hour.

Social media may contribute to eating disorders by influencing certain psychological and sociocultural risk factors for eating disorders, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, and exposure to cultures and media that value or promote thinness.

Some content on the platforms may idealize thinness, contribute to body dissatisfaction, or promote pro-eating disorder content.

Modern culture and media often idealize specific physical traits. Many of these traits, such as whiteness and thinness, stem from systemic oppression.

Social media may heighten these ideals more than traditional media. Content on these platforms can be ubiquitous and personalized. It may present popular beauty ideals, such as thinness, as more prevalent and attainable than they actually are in reality.

Regular exposure to the notion of thinness as a more valuable or acceptable body type than others may damage a person’s self-esteem, which could contribute to the development of an eating disorder.

According to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders (NAED), social media promotes a “thin ideal” in several ways, including:

Research from Norway indicates a clear link between social media use and the development of eating disorders.

Social media can promote the notion that thinness is an ideal body type. When people internalize this message, they may feel pressure to become thin or maintain thinness, which may lead to disordered eating.

Social media is vast, and its content is varied. Although these platforms often uphold unrealistic beauty standards, many people use social media to create and engage with body-positive content, spaces, and communities.

Social media that celebrates a range of body types and promotes self-acceptance and self-love may provide valuable resources for people with and at risk of eating disorders, such as access to information and community.

Eating disorders can severely affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

Anyone who suspects they or a loved one may have an eating disorder can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, which offers a daytime helpline staffed by licensed therapists and an online search tool for treatment options.

For general mental health support at any time, people can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357 (or 1-800-487-4889 for TTY).

Studies suggest that taking a break from social media could be beneficial for a person’s mental health and overall well-being:

If someone suspects they have an eating disorder or they have disordered eating behaviors, such as restricting food or purging, they should contact a healthcare professional. Without treatment, eating disorders can lead to severe health complications.

Social media can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and pressure to lose weight for some people. A mental health professional can help with issues like body image and managing social pressure.

Research suggests that social media use may contribute to the development of eating disorders for some people.

Content on social media is often digitally enhanced, curated, or created to sell products and services. This type of content can lead to unrealistic standards that can be damaging to people’s self-esteem.

Social media can also be a positive space for people with or at risk of eating disorders, and also features body-positive content that promotes self-love for all body types.

Individuals who suspect they may have an eating disorder should speak with a healthcare professional. Treatment can help people manage and overcome the challenges of eating disorders and body image issues.