What roles do the media play in contributing to eating disorders?

Research has demonstrated that the media contributes to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Prevention and treatment of eating disorders should therefore include media literacy, activism, and advocacy.

How social media affect mental health?

However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or appearance.

Does watching TV increase the risk of an eating disorder?

A follow-up study showed that just having friends who watched television could also increase the risk of eating disorder symptoms. 3  Recent years have seen a proliferation of online images known as “thinspiration” or “thinspo.”

Is there a link between the media and eating disorders?

The answer is complicated. Research supports the idea that there is a familial, genetic component to eating disorders, but it also indicates that the current sociocultural climate, of which the media is a part, plays a role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders.

How does the media affect our eating habits?

Although it is difficult to generalize these results to all other cultures, the study shows that the media, television, in particular, does impact body image and eating behaviors. A follow up study showed that even just having friends who watched television could also increase the risk of eating disorder symptoms.

Does media literacy training help people with eating disorders?

Since no one is immune to eating disorders, it is essential for people of all ages to learn to critically view the media and its messages. Media literacy training has the goal of helping people to become critical when looking at media and may be able to buffer some of these influences.