Chasing likes increases the risk of eating disorders

Long-term studies from various sources show that longer and more intensive use of social media is associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders in young users, in particular negative perceptions of one’s own body and problematic eating behavior.

Content on Instagram and Co. affects our body image
Visual content such as photos and videos play a very important role in comparison processes and have a strong influence on body image. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore have discovered a link between image-heavy platforms – such as Instagram – and eating disorders.

“Offline times” significantly reduce symptoms
Similar results were found in an Australian study that found a link between social media use and body image concerns in otherwise healthy adolescents. In particular, valuing ‘likes’ on social media was associated with restrictive eating behavior and greater body dissatisfaction. But abstaining from social media for a week can significantly reduce symptoms in people with eating disorders.

But how can problematic eating behaviors arise in connection with social media platforms like TikTok? It seems that young people who especially value positive feedback on social media are at greater risk of changing their eating habits to increase their popularity.

The reason: the often particularly young audience on TikTok, Instagram and Co. is in a vulnerable phase of growth in which problems with self-esteem play a major role. However, they are also particularly impressionable and therefore receptive to the messages of the advertising industry and influencers, copy their role models and submit more easily to social pressure and given, often unrealistic body images and ideals.