Recent research published in PLOS ONE found that young women can be negatively affected by eating disorder content on TikTok in as little as eight minutes. Even those who viewed “neutral” content reported feeling less satisfied with their body image and internalized more beauty standards. And the effects were felt by all, not just those watching harmful content.
Social media has long been known to impact body image, but the quickness with which these unrealistic standards take hold is alarming. It takes less than 10 minutes for these harmful messages to stick in the minds of users, leading them to feel worse about themselves. This study focused on women aged 18-28, raising concerns for even younger social media users.
Teenagers, in particular, are vulnerable to the negative effects of social media. A rise in eating disorders among teens has been linked to the misuse of platforms like TikTok, where trends like “fitspiration” and “thinspiration” can trigger those already struggling with body image issues. The glamorization of thinness and unhealthy behaviors on social media can be damaging to young people’s mental health.
Influencer culture on platforms like TikTok can also contribute to unrealistic beauty standards. The trend of normalizing certain body types and promoting harmful diet behaviors can have a lasting impact on impressionable teenagers. The pressure to conform to these ideals can be overwhelming.
While social media serves as a platform for these harmful messages, it is not the root of the issue. Society’s deeply ingrained fatphobia and obsession with thinness play a significant role in perpetuating these harmful trends. Messages of body positivity and self-love exist, but they are often overshadowed by the louder voices promoting unhealthy ideals.
Parents must take a proactive approach in protecting their teens from harmful social media content. By examining their own attitudes towards food and body image, parents can set a positive example for their children. Avoiding labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and promoting a healthy relationship with food can help prevent disordered eating behaviors in teens.
Ultimately, it is essential for parents to engage in open conversations with their teens about body image and self-esteem. By addressing the root of these harmful messages and promoting self-acceptance, parents can help their teens navigate social media in a healthier way.
