In January 2022, Canadian teenagers were spending an alarming amount of time on their phones—averaging between 4 and 6 hours daily (CAMH, 2023). This statistic raises significant concerns due to its profound impact on the physical and mental health of adolescents during critical developmental stages. Particularly concerning are the implications for individuals with eating disorders (ED) or disordered eating (DE), as emerging research links higher screen time with an increased risk of these behaviours, largely attributed to the negative influences of social media (Russell et al., 2020). NIED’s National Youth Council (NYC) has recognized this risk and is conducting a research study to publish a report in hopes of catalyzing national change.
For parents and healthcare professionals who may not be immersed in the digital world of adolescents, it's important to understand why platforms like TikTok and Instagram can profoundly affect those with EDs or DEs. Studies such as Perloff et al. (2014) reveal that exposure to pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia content on social media correlates with heightened body dissatisfaction, increased dieting behaviours, and negative emotional states. The lack of trigger warnings and the use of permissive language to circumvent platform regulations expose users to harmful content continuously.
Similarly, these platforms foster damaging social comparisons. The carefully curated and often digitally altered images prevalent on social media can distort perceptions of reality, exacerbating body dissatisfaction and correlating with symptoms of eating disorders among young adults (Fardouly et al., 2015). Despite this fact, since it is so mainstream to engage in online content, society often lacks discussing these risks with young adults.
The purpose of NIED’S NYC is to tackle issues that are prevalent for Canadian youth impacted by EDs. Grounded in both empirical evidence and firsthand accounts emphasizing social media’s detrimental effects on EDs, the council is currently conducting a research survey to gather Canadian-based data. The report will be useful in identifying which demographics of people are most at risk and why certain platforms are more harmful than others. The goal is to create evidence based recommendations for youth, governing bodies and media companies to advocate for safeguards, and education to reduce social media’s negative effects on eating disorders.
The survey is currently underway and would greatly benefit from your participation. Your anonymous input is invaluable in advancing our understanding and advocating for necessary changes. If you are willing to contribute, please follow this survey link.
In 2024, while engaging in social media can feel like second nature, especially for younger populations, we should not ignore the negative impact content consumption can have on those with EDs. The only way to take action is to learn more about this social situation and gather data to prove to influential bodies that change is needed. Together, we can work towards fostering a healthier relationship between individuals and technology.
References
CAMH. (2023) Youth, smartphones and social media use. Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use, https://kmb.camh.ca/ggtu/knowledge-translation/youth-smartphones-and-social-media-use
Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: the impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body image, 13, 38-45.
Perloff, R. M., Bonelli, L., & Toffler, C. (2014). The impact of social media on body image and eating behaviors. Current opinion in pediatrics, 26(4), 435-440.
Russell, C., Keel, P. K., & Cohn, L. (2020). A meta-analysis of the relationship between screen-time behaviors and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among adolescents. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(7), 1129-1142.
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