How Does Social Media Affect Eating Disorders?

Warning: social media may be harmful to teen health

While scrolling through social media may seem harmless, even casual browsing can pose serious risks, especially for young people. 

The U.S. surgeon general recently called for platforms like Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to carry warning labels acknowledging their potential negative impacts on teen mental health ^[1].

Does social media cause eating disorders?

Yes, studies have shown a clear link between social media and eating disorders. 

• The curated and often unrealistic portrayals of beauty and fitness shared online can pave the way for negative self-comparisons, low self-esteem and disordered eating behaviors. 
• Cyberbullying and negative comments can also lead to serious mental health issues, including eating disorders.

However, social media can also support eating disorder recovery by fostering supportive communities, providing educational resources, and combating harmful trends and misinformation. 

Here’s how you can approach social media with a balanced and mindful perspective, harnessing its power to promote your own healing and well-being.

Research shows that more time on social media platforms is directly connected to a noticeable increase in disordered eating symptoms. 

However, it is crucial to recognize that time spent on social media is not solely to blame. 

Eating disorders are influenced by many factors, including genetics, psychological issues and environmental stressors.

Social media and eating disorders statistics

How does social media affect eating disorders? Check out these key social media and eating disorder statistics:

• Nearly half (46%) of teens ages 13-17 say they feel worse about their body image due to social media ^[2].
• People spending over three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to develop eating disorders than those with less screen time ^[2].
• A study found that 49% of Instagram users who followed health-food accounts showed symptoms of anorexia nervosa ^[3].
• Approximately 50% of men and 70% of women reported regularly editing their images, showing a high level of dissatisfaction with their natural appearance ^[4].
• A study found that 50% of participants reported changing their diet based on a social media post, and 48% felt judged or criticized for their food choices because of social media ^[5].

While it is important to acknowledge that social media also offers support and resources for those in eating disorder recovery, it is crucial to understand the damaging effects it can have.

Negative impact of social media on eating disorders

Social media shapes our perceptions of body image and health. By promoting unrealistic beauty standards and spreading potentially dangerous health advice, online platforms can exacerbate eating disorders in various ways. 

Let’s take a closer look at how social media content can undermine our well-being.

1. Exposure to harmful content

While content may be well intentioned, it can create severe repercussions on mental and physical health.

• Pro-eating disorder communities: Some social media communities promote damaging behaviors like extreme calorie restriction, excessive exercise and even how to hide these habits from loved ones.
• Unrealistic standards: Influencers often post polished photos and heavily curated content that can make extreme thinness or unattainable fitness levels seem normal and desirable. “This can be tough if someone is already struggling with their body image, as they might compare themselves to a version of someone else that isn’t even real,” says Becky Burger, senior social media manager at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (ERC Pathlight).
• Harmful diet and fitness trends: Trends like “healthy coke,” dry scooping pre-workout powder, and the 75 Hard Challenge frequently outperform credible recommendations.
• Spreading misinformation: Unverified health advice and the promotion of quick weight loss tips, from Ozempic to detox teas, can make it hard to discern credible sources.
• Triggering images and content: Extremely thin influencers, before-and-after weight loss photos and glorified restrictive eating content normalize disordered behaviors and pressure individuals to conform to unrealistic body standards.

Algorithm-driven content exposure and lack of regulation make these types of content even harder to avoid.

2. Negative behavioral changes

Many people turn to social media for health advice and end up adopting harmful behaviors like purging and laxative abuse. 

Diet and exercise fads can lead to detrimental changes in food choices and obsessive tracking of calories, weight and exercise. 

Seeking approval and “likes” further drives individuals to engage in these behaviors, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

3. Psychological effects

Social media often leads to constant self-comparison. 

Filters and photo editing set unrealistic standards, making it hard to feel satisfied with our appearances. 

Cyberbullying and negative comments worsen self-esteem issues, causing anxiety and depression. 

Plus, the pressure to create a perfect online persona can leave us feeling inadequate and alone, chipping away at self-worth and contributing to disordered eating behaviors.

Positive impact of social media on eating disorders

On a more positive note, social media can influence mental health for the better.

“When used responsibly by users, brands and creators, social media can be a great source of information, education, entertainment, support and community,” says Becky Burger, senior social media manager at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (ERC Pathlight).

Support networks and communities

Social media provides a sense of belonging and encouragement that can be hard to find elsewhere. 

Online support groups provide safe spaces where people can openly discuss their struggles and share recovery advice. In fact, our nonprofit partners Project Heal (@projectheal) and ANAD (@anadhelp) use their platforms to break down barriers to healing and offer free peer support from individuals who genuinely understand their situation. 

And the anonymity of social media allows individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

Mental health resources

Many therapists, dietitians and organizations like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders (@alliancefored) use social media to share educational content on food and mental health. 

This easy access to evidence-based information and credible advice empowers individuals to understand their condition and take proactive steps toward recovery.

Burger says, “There are so many misconceptions about what eating disorders look like, who they impact and what the symptoms are. Educational content created with clinical experts is a major way to help those in or seeking eating disorder recovery.”

Positive role models

Many influencers and advocates are creating diverse and inclusive online spaces for those struggling with body image and eating disorders. 

Here are a few voices championing realistic body standards and celebrating all body types:

• Chrissy King (@iamchrissyking)
• Virgie Tovar (@virgietovar)
• William Hornby (@williamhornby)
• Jayne Mattingly (@jaynemattingly)
• Aubrey Gordon (@yrfatfriend)
• Jason Wood (@mentalstormwarning)

The words of encouragement, the genuine support and the powerful recovery stories shared on accounts like these can be invaluable for those on their recovery journey.

5 tips to help you use social media safely

To ensure that social media positively impacts your mental health, consider the following practices.

1. Curate your feed

Regularly reassess your feed to ensure it supports your mental health. “The next time you scroll through your feed, pay attention to how content makes you feel. Start to unfollow brands and creators that don’t make you feel good, and then find brands and creators that do,” says Burger. You can also use the mute and hide features to minimize exposure to harmful posts without unfollowing friends or family as well as report triggering ads.

2. Set boundaries

Try reducing your daily screen time and taking breaks. “Set realistic time limits on your apps. We all get sucked into social media, but sometimes we just need to log off and touch grass,” says Burger. Prioritize interactions that uplift and support your well-being. It is okay to step back and put your health first.

3. Embrace your unique journey

Everyone’s path is different. “Social media is often a highlight reel of someone’s life. Try not to compare your reality to someone else’s highlight reel,” says Burger. Focus on your personal progress and celebrate your unique achievements instead.

4. Be mindful of red flags

Exercise caution with companies using “weight management” or “lifestyle change” language, unqualified health or wellness coaches, and influencers sharing what they eat in a day. “Be wary of anyone who is not a registered dietitian giving nutrition advice,” advises Burger.

5. Seek professional help when needed

If you notice increased anxiety, stress or disordered eating behaviors because of social media, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Social media can help you find and connect with therapists, support groups and treatment programs. It is okay to ask for help.   

Remember, many accounts are using their platform for good. “Almost everything we share on our social media channels is shared with the goal of creating a safe space,” says Burger. In addition to sharing educational content, our social media community here at ERC (@eatingrecovery) uplifts the voices of lived experience advocates in the Say It Brave collective and works tirelessly to combat harmful trends and toxic misinformation.

5 ways to support a loved one

If you think your child or loved one is struggling with their social media use, and it could be triggering an eating disorder or body concerns, here are a few ways to help them set boundaries and improve their online habits.

1. Recognize the signs

Watch for changes like neglecting hygiene, mood swings, irritability, withdrawing from family or being defensive about social media use.

2. Open the lines of communication

Create a safe space that supports an open, honest dialogue. Listen without judgment, ask open-ended questions and show you understand. “When you approach it with a curious mindset, you open up the space for real conversation,” says Sally Fleck, PhD, clinical manager at ERC Pathlight.

3. Help set flexible boundaries

Encourage your loved one to set specific times for social media use, take regular breaks and prioritize offline activities that bring joy and relaxation.

4. Encourage a self-audit

Guide your loved one to periodically review their social media habits. Ask them to reflect on how different content makes them feel, identify any negative patterns and make adjustments to follow more positive and supportive accounts.

5. Embrace a values-based approach

Help your loved one identify what truly matters to them, such as friends, family, or hobbies, and follow accounts that reflect and support these values. “This will help them develop an internal compass they can use to self-govern their social media use,” says Dr. Fleck.

What to do if social media is impacting your mental health

Social media’s influence on eating disorders is nuanced, with both positive and negative effects. It can provide an invaluable sense of community and support, but it can also lead to harmful comparisons and negative behaviors. 

Educating yourself on the intricacies of this complicated relationship can help you make more mindful choices online. 

Remember, if you notice that social media is taking a toll on your mental health, it is important to seek professional help.

Find help today

ERC Pathlight offers a unique continuum of care model, so you (or your loved one) get the exact support you need from an expert team that cares. 

Call us at (866) 622-5914 or reach out today to start the conversation. It only takes one call to get started.

Related Reading

• Anorexia in Teens
• Eating Disorders in Teens
• Vegan Diets & Eating Disorders
• Ozempic & Eating Disorders
• HSP: Mental Health & the Highly Sensitive Person