It is in our human nature to compare ourselves to others. In today’s day and age, social media is a large tool in shaping an individual’s self-image and worth. Some of these platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest, and more. With the advent of easily accessible mobile cell phones, children as young as preteens become exposed to what society deems as normal and acceptable. And because they are so young and can access so many types of media, the thoughts and ideas put into them can be detrimental for their physical and mental health. One of the biggest problems that can occur is eating disorders.
Eating disorders (ED’s) are various psychological disorders that involve abnormal eating habits. They can occur in both women and men, but women have a 2.5% higher chance of developing an ED than men. ED’s can be fatal, so much so that nearly every hour, at least one person dies from the result of an ED (anad.org). China, India, and the United States have the highest rate of diagnosed ED’s (insidermonkey.com). ED’s can be caused by many factors, including genetics, biology, personality traits, and cultural traits. The most common types of ED’s include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa involves the individual viewing themselves as overweight even if they are highly underweight, which results in limited food intake and intense purging. Types of purging include vomiting, taking laxatives, or excessive exercising. Bulimia nervosa is the act of eating large quantities of food in a short period, and in some cases purging afterward. Binge eating disorder is like anorexia and bulimia, with the individual eating unproportionate amounts of food in short periods of time, but instead without purging (healthline.com).
ED’s can develop at young ages, and as the children grow older and puberty begins to set in, they become more susceptible to developing one. Now with social media being as big as it is, teens begin to believe and assume that what is popular and “liked” the most is the only thing acceptable in their society. ED’s can have fatal impacts on children and teens. For example, those with anorexia can suffer from bone thinning and major organ damage, and those with bulimia suffer from weaker tooth enamel and esophagus inflammation (webmd.com).
Being exposed to high quantities of social media and television can warp a child’s view of their body and therefore begin to develop an ED. A 2011 study done by The University of Haifa surveyed 248 women between the ages of 12 and 19 (average age is 14.8) and found the more time they spent online, particularly Facebook, the more dissatisfaction they had with their bodies and self-image (sciencedaily.com). They also saw the females had a more negative outlook on food and were more likely to attempt weight loss diets and/or workout plans. A stable eating habit is crucial to teens’ mental and physical development; otherwise, there can be harmful side effects in their adulthood.
Adults are also impacted by social media. The perpetuation of idealized body images and lifestyles affects people of all ages, leading to widespread issues of body dissatisfaction and the pursuit of unhealthy eating habits. Social comparison theory, proposed by Leon Festinger in 1954, is particularly relevant here. Festinger suggested that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others they perceive as better or worse. On social media, where users often showcase only the best aspects of their lives, this can lead to upward social comparisons, where individuals compare themselves to those they perceive as superior, often resulting in feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.
Moreover, self-discrepancy theory, introduced by E. Tory Higgins, explains how the gap between one’s actual self and one’s ideal self can lead to negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. In the context of social media, users are constantly bombarded with images of ‘ideal’ bodies and lifestyles, widening the gap between their real selves and the ideal they aspire to, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy.
Media literacy is an essential tool in combating the negative impact of social media on body image. Media literacy involves understanding and critically evaluating media content, recognizing the constructed nature of media messages, and understanding the commercial motivations behind media production. Teaching children and teens media literacy can help them develop a more critical view of the images and messages they are exposed to, reducing the likelihood of internalizing unrealistic body standards.
The sociocultural model of eating disorders posits that societal and cultural factors play a crucial role in the development of EDs. This model emphasizes the impact of societal norms and media portrayals of thinness and beauty on individuals’ body image and eating behaviors. Social media, with its pervasive portrayal of idealized body types, reinforces these societal standards, contributing to the development and maintenance of eating disorders.
Furthermore, objectification theory, proposed by Barbara Fredrickson and Tomi-Ann Roberts, suggests that women are socialized to internalize an observer’s perspective on their bodies, leading to self-objectification. This theory is particularly relevant in the context of social media, where women’s bodies are frequently objectified and evaluated based on appearance, contributing to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors.
Cognitive-behavioral theories of eating disorders emphasize the role of maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs in the development and maintenance of EDs. Social media can reinforce these maladaptive cognitions, such as the belief that thinness equates to success and happiness, and that one must adhere to strict dietary and exercise regimens to achieve this ideal.
The impact of social media on eating disorders is not limited to body image and self-esteem. It also affects identity formation, particularly during adolescence. Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development highlights the importance of identity formation during adolescence. Social media, with its emphasis on self-presentation and validation through likes and comments, can influence the way adolescents perceive themselves and their place in the world, potentially leading to unhealthy behaviors as they strive to conform to perceived social norms.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the role of peer influence in the development of eating disorders. Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that individuals learn behaviors through the observation of others. On social media, where users are exposed to the behaviors and attitudes of their peers, this can lead to the adoption of unhealthy eating habits and body image concerns, as individuals strive to emulate those they admire or perceive as successful.
In conclusion, the relationship between social media and eating disorders is complex and multifaceted. Various academic theories, including social comparison theory, self-discrepancy theory, media literacy, the sociocultural model, objectification theory, cognitive-behavioral theories, and social learning theory, provide valuable insights into how social media influences body image and eating behaviors. Addressing the negative impact of social media on eating disorders requires a comprehensive approach, including promoting media literacy, fostering positive body image, and encouraging healthy eating habits. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors, we can better support individuals in developing a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.