UK Animated Video Aims To Help People With Eating Disorders Safely Navigate Social Media
- NIED
- Mar 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Researchers from Loughborough University in the UK have teamed up with UK Eating Disorder charity Beat to create an animated video that explores how social media affects people with an Eating Disorder.
The short film looks at how social media can be both harmful and helpful, and provides useful advice for those being negatively affected by what they see online and to support recovery.
The video is based on research by Loughborough University’s Dr Paula Saukko in collaboration with Dr Val Mitchell, and Dr Helen Malson, of Eating Disorders Health Integration Team in Bristol, UK. After interviewing 31 people with diverse Eating Disorders during the pandemic – a period that has seen a surge in both social media use and mental health issues – the team then worked with Beat to translate the research findings into a video.
The video gives top tips on how to keep boundaries on social media by unfollowing content on diets, or content that fuel negative thoughts and moderating consumption and interaction with friends by muting or switching off when feeling overwhelmed.
Dr Saukko explains:
“Using the easy multi-media possibilities of social media to chat is vital for keeping in touch and receiving support when not feeling well, especially since Eating Disorders are often socially isolating.
“However, social media encourages users to compare themselves to others in terms of looks or success and foments constant engagement, replies, and insecurities when others are not responding or reacting.”
Colette Mullings, Head of Marketing at Beat, said:
“Social media has been both a help and hindrance for those we support: we know that irresponsible content can be very damaging for those unwell or vulnerable to Eating Disorders, but at the same time we often hear of people benefiting from supportive recovery communities, especially during the pandemic.
“We are eagerly awaiting the results, and hope that the video gives viewers encouragement to continue engaging with positive communities, but also to switch off when needed.”
Dr Saukko’s team, together with Beat, will evaluate the impact of the video in terms of engagement and experience of users.
This is such an important project. So many people with eating disorders feel overwhelmed by filters, “perfect” bodies and toxic diet culture online, so a gentle animated video feels like the right medium to break things down in a safe, human way.
As a visual brand, we think a lot about how images and design affect self-esteem. The same care that went into this film should guide all kinds of content – from school resources to awareness campaigns, even simple merch like custom patches Canada organisations hand out at events.
Tools like animation, illustration and even custom woven patches can help share recovery-positive messages, set healthy boundaries around social media use and remind people they’re more than an algorithm’s idea…
This is such an important initiative. Social media can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for people living with eating disorders, so tools that teach safer ways to scroll and set boundaries really matter.
Projects like this UK animated video also show how creative content can support recovery and body neutrality in gentle, practical ways. Even small offline reminders can help – from journal notes to wristbands or custom patches UK brands create with positive, inclusive messages.
Thoughtful pieces like custom embroidered patches that celebrate strength, rest and real-life diversity will never “fix” things alone, but they can be part of a wider, kinder environment around someone who’s struggling. Massive respect to everyone involved in this campaign and to the…