Emily Kendidinger, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus said Talk that social media can contribute to the development of anorexia and bulimia, as well as the emergence of unhealthy ideas about beauty in adolescents.
The psychiatrist noted that numerous studies have linked beauty ideas portrayed in movies, television and magazines to mental illness, dissatisfaction with one’s appearance and unhealthy eating habits. Social media has similar negative effects on young people’s mental health.
Kendidinger explained that such media platforms are “fertile ground” for disorders such as anorexia and bulimia to emerge. Social media use promotes negative self-esteem, social comparisons in favor of others, decreased emotional regulation, and a desire for an idealized self-presentation that negatively impacts body image.
The expert also added that the time spent on social networks is directly related to the development of a greater number of complexes. He cited US research showing that increased time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased social media use by young people and a greater negative impact of their idealized body image on their psyche.
It is stated that social networks themselves do not cause eating disorders. By exposing them to inappropriate nutritional advice and unhealthy ideas about beauty, they can indirectly contribute to their development.
Previously high birth weight connected with childhood obesity.