Social media is part of a ‘self-perpetuating cycle of risk’ for eating disorders and negative body image, per study
Learning high social media literacy was one of the protective strategies that emerged in an analysis of eating disorder studies.
Social media use is linked with body image concerns and eating disorders among young people, according to a new review of the scientific literature. But rather than social media being a direct cause of these issues, a “self-perpetuating cycle of risk” could be to blame, with more vulnerable teens and young adults succumbing to online pressures, the authors say.
Women, people with higher body weights, and those with preexisting body image concerns were more at risk for the potential harms of social media use, according to the review. But social media literacy and strong body appreciation were found to be “moderators” that may protect users against ill effects.
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