Teens who spend more time on social media could be far more likely to developing eating disorders. According to new research teens who spend just 30 minutes a day could have increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness and notably poor self-image, the latter of which could lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.

Researchers in Australia, lead by Dr. Simon M. Wilksch of Flinders University, looked at the effect that social media had on body image, and the results of the study were published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. It found that eating disorders "were reported by 51.7% of girls and 45.0% of boys, with strict exercise and meal skipping the most common. A total of 75.4% of girls and 69.9% of boys had at least one SM (social media) account where Instagram was the most common, used by 68.1% of girls and 61.7% of boys."

The research found that it wasn't one particular form of social media that could be leading to the eating disorders either. Girls in the study, who may be prone to eating disorders, were more likely to use SnapChat and Tumblr, while boys also used Snapchat, but were more active on Facebook and Instagram.



Body Image

As noted by the Flinders University study, the connection of social media use and eating goes deeper than just food. In many ways it is one of body image, and various studies have found that this can be both good and bad. King University Online compiled data from a number of studies and found that there are positive effects that come from social media on body image – this can include healthier eating, exercise and making good choices.

However, social media can have a serious negative impact as well when people too often compare their appearance with others. 

Social media also ties in with another trend: "the era of the selfie," explained Julie Sylvester, producer of the upcoming CES 2020 Sports & Fitness Tech and Wearable Tech Summit.

"The more pictures we post of our event, activities, new haircuts, and vacations on social media, the more time we spend looking at ourselves through the eyes of other people," Sylvester explained.

Never before has it been so easy to take pictures of one's self and share them for the world to see. This constant need to share however comes at a price. People like compliments but are rarely ready for the criticism that invariably comes.

"Most people are a few pounds overweight, have the wrong hair style or the wrong clothes, but like the proverbial fairy tale, mirrors lie and the old cliché 'a picture is worth a thousand words' sometimes can amplify flaws and more importantly reveal how others see us," added Sylvester.



Raw Feed

Unlike celebrities or influencers, who can take the time to "edit" their appearance or are professionally photographed to appear picture perfect every time, the average user relies on selfies from a smartphone and simply hits post. One bad photo can truly be worth more than thousand words, especially if the comments are negative in the least.

"Now that we have filters on every phone and the increasing expectation that you should share every detail of our lives we have developed an unrealistic personal expectation," suggested Dr. Mariea Snell, assistant director of the Online Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Maryville University.

"When you look at any social media you are bombarded with information on what diet you should be doing, what size you should be and how happy others are that are thin and beautiful," added Snell. "This has all the makings for a negative body image and acceptance of who you are. We can pretend to be anyone. Not allowing young people to consider who they really are and having this unrealistic expectation of who they should be has significantly contributed to the increase in eating disorders."

This can be bad enough with young adults, but throw in some hormones for good measure and it is easy to see how social media could be encouraging eating disorders in teens and even younger children.

"The very angst of the teenage years, awkward self awareness and attempting to fit into the 'social norm' or the cool kids club is challenging enough," said Sylvester. "When they are faced with their posted pictures and their 'friends' reactions that have not lived up to how they think they look in their head – it may lead to FOMO (fear of missing out), body shame, and yes possibly eating disorders. And don't get me started on bullying."

Sadly too, eating disorders may not end with the teen years and could be something young adults take with them to college and even their professional lives that follow. However, while eating disorders should never be encourage, that self awareness that social media could create might help keep new arrivals not to over indulge so much as well.

"I have had a few friends' daughters go to college this year and while following the selfies and group photos they are posting relentlessly, I started to wonder what happened to the 'freshman 15,'" pondered Sylvester. "And I think the answer is 'Selfie Sticks!'"