Simran Arora

The Cost Of Social Media Addiction: Study Says It Can Give Kids Eating Disorders

social media addiction

Eating disorders in children might sound like a rare occurrence, but evidence suggests that this is no longer a once-in-a-while case. According to new research, social media is a powerful influence affecting eating disorder risks in children. A study by Turkish researchers showed that heavy social media use among teenagers could be linked to poor eating attitudes, orthorexia nervosa, poor body image, and an unhealthy obsession with eating ‘clean’. For this, a team of researchers comprising Semiha Ozcakal, Gamze Yurtdas Depboylu, and Gulsah Kaner surveyed 1,200 high school students and found that the more addicted they were to social media, the more likely they were to follow poor eating patterns and struggle with body dissatisfaction.

How does social media addiction fuel eating disorders in teens?

Researchers found that girls were most affected by social media addiction. They were more likely to develop an unhealthy relationship with social media use and consequently were also more dissatisfied with their bodies. This could be fuelled by constant exposure to idealised fitness and beauty standards. They start to compare themselves to thin people, and eventually that comparison can turn into restriction, difficult food rules, and even shame.

Researchers noted that the most striking finding of the study involved nutrition content. Teens who followed diet and food posts from celebrities, influencers, or even wellness experts were six times more likely to show symptoms of eating disorders. Many were also likely to develop orthorexic tendencies and may cut down on foods that they believed were unhealthy in order to achieve an unrealistic goal.

Social media addiction and an obsession with thinness

A study from Italy added to the concerns - researchers examined 232 girls aged 9–10 years and found that those who showed symptoms of Instagram addiction were more driven to become thinner and were unhappier with their bodies too. They also scored higher on social withdrawal and emotional instability. The warning clearly stated that social media can shape self-image far earlier than most adults realise. Even before adolescence, children absorb harmful messages about beauty, worth, and weight.

According to experts, the answer is not banning screens, especially when digital media is an important part of daily life. Children should instead be given guidance at home and at school—parents and teachers must promote healthy social media habits and sustainable goals. Teachers and parents must discourage unrealistic goals, especially with respect to extreme dieting and an obsession with becoming thin.

<h2>What are the symptoms of eating disorders?</h2>

Eating disorders are often characterised by poor eating habi—thisis can be either overeating or undereating or complete starvation. People dealing with eating disorders are likely to show the following symptoms:

<ol><li>Avoid certain foods or food groups</li><li>Restrictive eating habits </li><li>Eating too much in a small window of time </li><li>Forced vomiting after eating </li><li>Laxative misuse </li><li>Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating</li><li>Withdrawing from social activities or friends </li><li>Compulsive exercising after meals</li></ol>

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Eating disorders in children might sound like a rare occurrence, but evidence suggests that this is no longer a once-in-a-while case. According to new research, social media is a powerful influence affecting eating disorder risks in children. A study by Turkish researchers showed that heavy social media use among teenagers could be linked to poor eating attitudes, orthorexia nervosa, poor body image, and an unhealthy obsession with eating ‘clean’. For this, a team of researchers comprising Semiha Ozcakal, Gamze Yurtdas Depboylu, and Gulsah Kaner surveyed 1,200 high school students and found that the more addicted they were to social media, the more likely they were to follow poor eating patterns and struggle with body dissatisfaction.How does social media addiction fuel eating disorders in teens?Researchers found that girls were most affected by social media addiction. They were more likely to develop an unhealthy relationship with social media use and consequently were also more dissatisfied with their bodies. This could be fuelled by constant exposure to idealised fitness and beauty standards. They start to compare themselves to thin people, and eventually that comparison can turn into restriction, difficult food rules, and even shame.Researchers noted that the most striking finding of the study involved nutrition content. Teens who followed diet and food posts from celebrities, influencers, or even wellness experts were six times more likely to show symptoms of eating disorders. Many were also likely to develop orthorexic tendencies and may cut down on foods that they believed were unhealthy in order to achieve an unrealistic goal.Social media addiction and an obsession with thinnessA study from Italy added to the concerns - researchers examined 232 girls aged 9–10 years and found that those who showed symptoms of Instagram addiction were more driven to become thinner and were unhappier with their bodies too. They also scored higher on social withdrawal and emotional instability. The warning clearly stated that social media can shape self-image far earlier than most adults realise. Even before adolescence, children absorb harmful messages about beauty, worth, and weight.Is there a solution?According to experts, the answer is not banning screens, especially when digital media is an important part of daily life. Children should instead be given guidance at home and at school—parents and teachers must promote healthy social media habits and sustainable goals. Teachers and parents must discourage unrealistic goals, especially with respect to extreme dieting and an obsession with becoming thin.What are the symptoms of eating disorders? Eating disorders are often characterised by poor eating habi—thisis can be either overeating or undereating or complete starvation. People dealing with eating disorders are likely to show the following symptoms: Avoid certain foods or food groupsRestrictive eating habits Eating too much in a small window of time Forced vomiting after eating Laxative misuse Frequent trips to the bathroom after eatingWithdrawing from social activities or friends Compulsive exercising after meals