Social Media Triggers Eating Disorder Epidemic

Published on 6.3.25

  The rise of social media has been linked to a significant increase in eating disorders among young women and girls. According to research, the global prevalence of eating disorders rose from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018, coinciding with the growth of social media. French psychiatrist Nathalie Godart warns that social media can be a trigger and accelerator for these conditions by normalizing extreme thinness and unhealthy behaviors. Social media platforms like TikTok have been criticized for promoting unattainable beauty standards and "skinny" trends, such as the #skinnytok hashtag, which can lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressure to engage in disordered eating behaviors. French dietitian Carole Copti notes that social media influencers' misinformation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is now considered when treating teenagers struggling with these disorders. Charlyne Buigues, a French nurse specializing in eating disorders, condemns videos showcasing young girls with anorexia and bulimia, which normalize these problems online. According to Buigues, social media can make it difficult for those recovering from eating disorders to access accurate information and support, as many influencers share misleading nutrition advice that can be detrimental to their health. She advises her patients to delete their social media accounts, particularly TikTok, until they are better informed about healthy nutrition. The normalization of extreme thinness and unhealthy behaviors on social media has severe consequences, including increased risk of cardiac arrest, infertility, and suicidal behavior.

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