Social media has made it easier for us to connect with loved ones and even celebrities. For better or worse, social media has changed our lives.
Whether it is foodies posting photos of their meals, following food influencers, home chefs, or nutritionists, our social media consumption consciously and unconsciously affects what and how we eat.
A study from the University of Birmingham examined how Facebook users’ perceptions of food-related content in their social networks influenced their eating habits. Researchers found that perceived social norms about food consumption significantly predicted users’ intake of fruits, vegetables, energy-dense snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
The study found that when people believed their peers ate more fruits and vegetables, they were likely to do the same. Furthermore, perceived norms around high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks also influenced consumption, whether encouraging or discouraging these choices.
While this implies that exposure to health-conscious content could promote healthier eating habits, it also poses the problem of someone’s social media feed being filled with fad diets, misleading nutrition information, or a lack of nutrient-dense food representation, which may negatively affect their dietary choices.
Research suggests that when social media users’ feeds are flooded with images of bodies that fit the “ideal” body image, they have lower self-esteem, feel shame, and feel the need to manipulate their diet to lose weight, gain weight, or gain muscle, leading to disordered eating, which is often misdiagnosed as healthy or disciplined eating habits.
With the negative feelings that can come with a social media feed, there are new movements such as intuitive eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), body acceptance, and body positivity that are helping bring a positive effect.
Research shows that these movements help to rectify the impact of social media on disordered eating behaviors and negative body image:
- When compared to a control group, people enrolled in a HAES intervention were less susceptible to hunger and inhibition than those in the control group
- A systematic review of HAES interventions demonstrated a positive effect on mental health outcomes and physical activity, and they also promote positive changes in eating habits.
- An eight-year longitudinal study found that intuitive eating produces better psychological health and lower use of disordered eating behaviors
- Body acceptance and body positivity movements on social media show diverse body types and sizes through fashion and beauty-related activism, physically active portrayals of people in bigger bodies, and a focus on holistic wellbeing. However, like any community-driven movement, these movements are not immune to conflicting messaging.
As social media continues to play a powerful role in how it shapes its users’ perceptions of health, nutrition, and body image, it is up to us to understand that our self-worth, eating, and wellness habits shouldn’t be dictated by social media.
FollowAll content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
