While biological influences account for many of the underlying causes of these conditions, cultural and social risk factors can also play a role in the development of disordered eating behaviors. For example, exposure to media can impact body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness, and social media use can increase rates of disordered eating.1,2
What is the Media?
Media is a broad term, accounting for nearly every piece of digital, print, or broadcast content or advertising a person sees, hears, or interacts with throughout their day.
Examples include newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and newer forms of digital media, such as websites, podcasts, and social media.
How Does the Media Influence People?
The media has been shaping our view of the world for generations, and its influence is increasing, especially in young adolescents.
Those aged 13-18 have nearly 9 hours of screen time each day.
In 2022, average screen time was up 17% among children aged 8-18, with those ages 8-12 spending an average of 5 ½ hours in front of a screen and those ages 13-18 reporting nearly nine hours of screen time on an average day.3
For children—and adults—the screen has replaced other social activities that allow people to grow, learn, and engage in different environments.
The Ideal Body Type
The media typically portrays the “ideal” female body as thin with a small waist and the “ideal” male body as low in body fat and muscular. And in many cases, these models aren’t even completely “real.” Photos are commonly altered to make these bodies appear even more “perfect” or “desirable.” But bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and this ideal is unrealistic and unattainable.
Yet this ideal has become a standard. This insistent image has been linked to increased body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness, which leads to increased vulnerability to eating disorders.Sadly, the effect is more marked in adolescents, particularly adolescent females.4
Impact of Social Media
Excessive use of social media has been shown to increase thoughts and behaviors that are related to eating disorders. The more time young adults and adolescents spend on social media across multiple platforms, the higher their risk of developing disordered eating patterns and body dissatisfaction.5
One of the most damaging factors of social media is the highly curated images presented as real, making the lifestyle they portray look attainable and contributing to deep dissatisfaction for those who can’t achieve this “perfect” life.
Many celebrities, brands, and other influencers also use their platforms to promote dieting and diet culture. Through hashtags, product pushing, and misguided advice, these accounts connect the idea that weight loss or an “ideal” body type will lead to happiness or living your best life.
Has New Technology Made the Issue Worse?
The explosion of smartphones, tablets, and other portable screens has made the media unavoidable and available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It is no longer as simple as putting down the magazine or turning off the television.
And this level of exposure has likely compounded the problem. The more someone is exposed to unhealthy and unhelpful images and advice around body image, shape, weight, and size, the more likely they are to acclimate to these distorted ideas. This can then potentially lead to greater body dissatisfaction, a negative self-image, and body image issues.
Still, it’s possible to use this unprecedented reach of the media to spread a positive message. Popular social media platforms have taken steps toward raising awareness of the dangers of eating disorders, supporting and enhancing mental health, and making other changes to help their young and impressionable users.6
Some have implemented policies to keep certain cosmetic procedures and weight loss products off the feed of users under 18. Other changes allow people to filter out weight loss ads, and some platforms have introduced tools to connect users to mental health information and resources.
How Can Parents Help?
All types of media can dramatically impact a child’s perception of themselves. However, parents can take steps to help encourage positive body images and minimize the effect that the media has on adolescent mental health.
Setting limits on the amount of screen time a child has can be a good first step toward limiting the impact of media on their self-image. This includes the time they spend on social networking sites.
Some parental controls may also allow parents to control access to certain media. A little bit of research can help ensure that kids are being exposed to content that’s positive, helps build confidence, and supports body positivity.
Even though it can be uncomfortable, talking to adolescents or teens about how the media can affect body image and self-esteem is one of the best ways to help this vulnerable group maintain better mental health.
But equally as important as speaking is listening. Asking children about images they see in the media and how they make them feel is a great way to have them practice self-awareness and self-reflection skills. Listen to what they have to say and validate their feelings.
Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders don’t just affect adolescent girls—anyone, in any kind of body, with any type of body shape, no matter how they identify, can develop eating disorders.
Many children may not even realize that how things are portrayed in mass media may not be how things are.
Point out marketing strategies to them and explain how images in the media are enhanced to look more perfect or enticing.
Talk about the difference between “real life” and the glamorous ideals depicted in the media. Discuss how photos are often altered and how the body types portrayed are usually not realistic, attainable, or healthy.
But even more powerful is setting a good example at home.
Exposure to the media alone does not cause an eating disorder. Children are always watching, and one of the best ways to foster a positive body image and healthy relationship with food is to lead by example and be a role model.
Stress the importance of body acceptance and body satisfaction. Explain that bodies can be healthy in various shapes and sizes, and all bodies are good bodies, not just those that are small and thin. Take the focus off appearance.
Practice intuitive eating. Do not label foods as “good,” or “bad,” or “healthy,” or “unhealthy.” Do not limit or restrict certain foods or the amount of food eaten.
In terms of media, encourage body-positive content only and healthy social media use.
Finding Help for Eating Disorders or Restoring Body Image
If you or someone you love has eating disorder symptoms or shows signs of disordered eating habits, it’s critical to seek help as soon as possible. Eating disorders do not go away on their own and can have serious, even fatal, medical complications if left untreated for too long.
Eating disorder treatment programs offer educational resources, nutritional counseling, behavioral therapies, and connections with support groups to help individuals heal their relationships with food, eating, and their bodies. Contacting a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders to determine what level of treatment is needed is a good place to start.
Resources
- Jiotsa B, Naccach, B, Duval M, Rocher B, Grall-Bronnec M. (2021). Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association between Frequency of Comparing One’s Own Physical Appearance to That of People Being Followed on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; 18(6):2880.
- Morris AM. (2003). The impact of the media on eating disorders in children and adolescents. Pediatrics & Child Health; 8(5):287–289.
- Wenner Moyer W. (2022, March 24). Kids as Young as 8 Are Using Social Media More Than Ever, Study Finds. The New York Times. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- Morris AM, & Katzman DK. (2003). The impact of the media on eating disorders in children and adolescents. Paediatrics & Child Health; 8(5):287–289.
- Sinha Dutta, S. (2022, March 28). Eating Disorders and Social Media. News Medical Life Sciences. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
- Study Shows Social Media May Play a Role in Eating Disorders Among Teens. (2020, February 25). Mental Health First Aid. Retrieved September 24, 2022.