The relationship between social media and eating disorders

The average American spends 2.5 hours per day using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The number is even higher for teens, with a national poll reporting that more than half of U.S. teens spend at least four hours per day on social media. 

Social media platforms are useful tools for staying connected and informed, but they can also have a negative effect on people’s mental health and well-being. Over the last few years, multiple studies have concluded that social media is associated with disordered eating, body image issues, and overall reduced mental health. 

This doesn’t mean that social media is inherently bad. But it does call for greater awareness about how to use social media in a way that supports mental health and well-being.

The role of social media in eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious health conditions that affect people’s eating behaviors and attitudes toward food. Some of the most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BD), binge-eating disorder (BED), and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). 

Eating disorders are thought to be caused by a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. These factors include genetics, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and co-occurring mental health conditions. In some cases, using social media can make these risk factors even more influential. For example, people with low-self esteem may be more likely to compare themselves to others or follow certain diets or trends promoted on social media. 

A meta-analysis of 50 studies from 17 countries found a clear link between social media usage and body image concerns, eating disorders, and poor mental health. Social media trends, pro-eating-disorder content, and appearance-focused platforms like Instagram strengthened this link. 

Another study found that one-fourth of 1,558 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 spent four or more hours on social media per day. 80% of female study participants reported that TikTok and Instagram had a negative influence on how they felt about their bodies. 

Five ways to build a more positive relationship with social media and your body

The next time you scroll past a photo of someone looking “perfect” on social media, take a moment to remember that this is a crafted and curated view of their life. It’s nearly impossible to avoid content that fuels harmful thinking. But it is possible to reset your mindset so that you can prevent unhealthy habits and reduce your risk for eating disorders. 

Here are some strategies for developing a healthier relationship with social media:

1. Be mindful of who you follow. Fill your social media feeds with people and accounts that make you feel good about yourself. This may require you to unfollow accounts that promote toxic or unhealthy views on food and eating. 

2. Limit your screen time. The more time you spend online, the greater the opportunity for comparison, self-objectification, and exposure to content that promotes unrealistic body standards and disordered eating.

3. Think critically. Next time you’re scrolling social media, ask yourself if what you see is an accurate representation of reality. You may realize that the content on your feed is fueling unreasonable expectations.

4. Use social media for good. Social media is a powerful tool, so why not use it as an outlet for healthy self-expression and body positivity? Choose to share, repost, and engage with accounts that empower people to feel their best. 

5. Seek help from a professional. If you’ve tried some of these tips and are still having trouble with your body image and relationship with food, you might benefit from meeting with a therapist. Therapy can teach you how to develop healthy coping skills and boost your self-acceptance.

Warning signs that your social media use may be contributing to disordered eating

Eating disorders aren’t always easy to recognize. But there are certain physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that could mean that someone might be experiencing unhealthy thoughts and behaviors around food. 

• Comparing yourself to others: It’s human nature to compare yourself to others, but social media enables this to an unhealthy degree. Those who compare themselves to others they consider more attractive on social media have a higher likelihood of body dissatisfaction and developing an eating disorder.

• Experiencing changes in eating behaviors: Social media can impact people’s eating habits, like encouraging them to start extreme diets. And, sometimes, the influence isn’t very obvious. For example, in one study, women without any history of an eating disorder who were exposed to pro-eating-disorder content for one week significantly reduced their calorie intake. 

• Idealizing a certain body type: When your social media pages are full of images showing a specific body type or beauty standard, it can start to affect the way you view yourself. By regularly liking or saving images that promote thinness or diet culture, you’re subconsciously idealizing a specific look and lifestyle. 

• Having less confidence and self-esteem: Spending too much time on social media platforms may reduce people’s self-esteem and body confidence, which can contribute to the development of eating disorders. According to one study, people who followed “fitspiration” accounts experienced decreased body satisfaction and mood.

Find care with Rula

If you’re struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns, consider working with a mental health professional. Unmanaged eating disorders are linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that require professional support. 

At Rula, we can connect you with a therapist who is taking new clients and accepts your insurance so you can better understand your symptoms and what’s causing them. With Rula’s easy-to-use therapist-matching program, you can find the right provider for your needs in less than 30 seconds and begin treatment as early as this week.

Find a therapist with Rula